ICE Agents to Screen Visitors at Marine Corps Graduation in South Carolina

New security measures require REAL IDs, passports or birth certificates to access Parris Island base.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:11pm

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A fragmented, abstract painting of military insignia in olive, navy, and khaki colors, conveying a sense of disruption and tension.The Marine Corps' new security measures at Parris Island expose the intersection of military operations and immigration enforcement.Beaufort Today

The U.S. Marine Corps has announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be stationed at the gates of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina during upcoming recruit graduation events. This is part of increased security measures that now require all visitors to present REAL IDs, U.S. passports or U.S. birth certificates to access the base.

Why it matters

The presence of ICE agents at the Marine graduation events raises concerns about the targeting of undocumented family members who may not have the required identification documents. This move comes as the U.S. continues its war in Iran, leading the Marine Corps to boost security protocols on its bases.

The details

According to the Marine Corps, 'federal law enforcement personnel will be present at installation access points to conduct enhanced screening and lawful immigration status inquiries' during the recruit family and graduation days at Parris Island. This is the first time in recent memory that ICE has been involved in base access operations at the depot.

  • Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for this Friday morning.
  • Recruit family days and celebrations are planned for Wednesday through Friday.

The players

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island

The training facility in Beaufort, South Carolina where Marine recruits complete their 13-week boot camp.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that will be stationed at the gates of the Parris Island base to conduct immigration status checks on visitors.

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What they’re saying

“While the Marine Corps routinely coordinates with federal partners on security matters, this is the first time in recent memory that federal law enforcement agencies have supported base access operations at Parris Island in this capacity.”

— Parris Island Spokesperson

What’s next

It remains unclear if the ICE presence at Parris Island will continue beyond this week's graduation events or if the practice could expand to other Marine Corps bases.

The takeaway

This move by the Marine Corps to partner with ICE at their graduation ceremonies raises concerns about the potential targeting of undocumented family members and the broader implications for immigration enforcement at military installations.