Two Jordanian nationals attempted to breach Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia and were apprehended on May 3, 2024. The individuals were in a box truck and claimed they were making a delivery to the post office as subcontractors for Amazon. However, it was later determined that they were not delivering on behalf of Amazon. Both men were directed to a holding area for vetting since they were not affiliated with the base and could not provide approved credentials. The base’s criminal investigations division apprehended the two noncitizens for trespassing.
One of the individuals had entered the U.S. illegally in April before being released. He was a foreign student whose status had been terminated in January. The second Jordanian was a nonimmigrant student with authorization to stay in the U.S. until his status was set to terminate. The second man was also arrested near San Ysidro, California after entering the U.S. illegally from Mexico. Both individuals were arrested and will remain in ERO custody pending removal proceedings.
ICE has confirmed that there is no information suggesting that either suspect was associated with any organization that would pose a threat to public safety or national security. Neither man has a criminal history in the U.S., and it is unclear if they are on a terrorist watchlist. The FBI has declined to confirm or deny if they are conducting specific investigations or if the suspects are on a watchlist. The identities of the individuals are being withheld due to privacy concerns.
The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is facing scrutiny over the incident, with questions raised about how the Jordanians came to the U.S. and whether they were here illegally. Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lindsey Graham has questioned Mayorkas about the status of the individuals and if they are on a terrorist watchlist. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has requested a full briefing on the events from the DHS. DHS has stated that they will respond to congressional correspondence directly via official channels.
Overall, the incident involving the attempted breach at Marine Corps Base Quantico by two Jordanian nationals has raised concerns about border security and potential threats to national security. The individuals involved had entered the U.S. through various means and were apprehended for trespassing. The investigation into their backgrounds and possible connections to any threat organizations continues, with officials emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of the public and the country.
