A new security initiative at Camp Pendleton, in collaboration with ICE and CBP, has led to dozens of immigration arrests on San Diego military bases over the past year. - Detainees include work permit holders and drivers who entered bases by accident, such as a father dropping off his Marine son after Thanksgiving.
- Immigration lawyers report no criminal records among their clients, and federal judges have ordered releases, questioning the initiative's security justification. - The exact number of arrests is unknown, but 44 habeas corpus petitions have been filed; detainees describe harsh conditions and emotional distress.
The program, which has expanded to other bases, marks a significant shift from the rare arrests seen before the Trump administration, raising concerns about overreach and fairness.