Jordanian Nationals Arrested for Attempted Quantico Breach Were in US Illegally

On May 3, 2024, two Jordanian nationals were apprehended while attempting to breach the Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. The individuals, who were not affiliated with the base, were stopped at a gate in a box truck. The driver claimed they were making a delivery to the post office and worked for a company subcontracted by Amazon.

According to U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), one of the Jordanian nationals crossed into the U.S. illegally in April, while the other had a terminated foreign student status from January. Both individuals were directed to a holding area for vetting since they could not provide approved credentials.

Apprehension and Deportation

The Marine Corps Base’s criminal investigations division apprehended the two noncitizens for trespassing, after which deportation officers from ERO Washington, D.C. responded and arrested both individuals without incident. They will remain in ERO custody pending removal proceedings.

One of the individuals was initially admitted into the country by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as a nonimmigrant student, with authorization to stay in the U.S. until his student status was set to terminate. The second Jordanian national was arrested near San Ysidro, California in April after entering the U.S. illegally from Mexico.

Investigation and Privacy Concerns

ICE has stated that there is no information suggesting that either Jordanian was associated with any organization posing a threat to public safety or national security. Moreover, sources within the Department of Homeland Security reported that neither individual had a criminal history in the U.S. However, their identities are being withheld over privacy concerns.

Government Scrutiny and Requests for Information

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is facing scrutiny over the incident, as questions arise regarding the individuals' mode of entry into the United States and whether they are on any terrorist watchlist. Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lindsey Graham has questioned Mayorkas about the individuals' legal status and any terrorist affiliations. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has formally requested a full briefing on the events from the Public Safety and Homeland Security leadership team.