A new security initiative at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton has led to a sharp increase in immigration arrests on San Diego military bases, with dozens of immigrants detained in the past year, according to a KPBS investigation. The program, launched last May in collaboration with U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), aims to deter unauthorized access by foreign nationals. However, immigration lawyers and detainees argue that the initiative is ensnaring law-abiding residents, including U.S.
work permit holders, who inadvertently enter bases due to GPS errors or routine drop-offs.
Stephanie Alcala, an immigration lawyer, described cases where clients were arrested after seemingly innocent actions. One father was detained at Camp Pendleton after dropping off his Marine son following Thanksgiving dinner.
Another woman was arrested when her GPS directed her onto a base while searching for a coffee shop. Jose Diaz, a Lyft driver, was held for six weeks after picking up a passenger at Camp Pendleton.
Despite having a valid work permit, paying taxes, and having no criminal record, he was shackled and detained. Diaz said he felt humiliated and unfairly treated, noting that he supports deporting criminals but not those who follow the rules.
Valentina, an immigrant driver and organizer who requested anonymity due to his legal status, said he now advises drivers to cancel trips to military bases, even if it means losing 10-15% of weekend earnings. He described the constant risk drivers face.
A Camp Pendleton spokesperson deferred questions to ICE, which confirmed agents help verify identification at entry points but declined to comment on individual cases.
Alcala believes the detentions are not about security, as none of her clients have criminal records. She said the Trump administration is acting because it can.
Federal judges have ordered the release of some detainees, determining they are not flight risks or public safety threats. The exact number of arrests is unknown, as neither the military nor ICE will disclose figures.
However, 44 habeas corpus petitions have been filed in federal court in San Diego, likely an undercount. Detainees report overcrowded conditions, poor food, and emotional distress, with many crying themselves to sleep.
Immigration detention, intended as civil and temporary, is being used punitively, with some held for months without deportation proceedings.
The initiative has since expanded to other military facilities in San Diego County. Prior to the Trump administration, such arrests were rare.
The program was framed as a proof of concept but has drawn criticism for its broad application. Alcala now advises all her clients to avoid San Diego military bases entirely.