Marines graduate at Parris Island while some parents stayed away amid ICE fears

Some family members did not attend Marine Corps graduations at Parris Island after notices about federal immigration personnel; base officials said federal officers assisted with security and the Department of Homeland Security said ICE would not be making arrests.

Pvt. Ramirez Garcia completed recruit training at Marine Corps Depot Parris Island, but her parents did not attend the graduation. Family members reported they were afraid to come after announcements that federal immigration personnel would be present for security checks. The base said federal officers assisted with security, but a public affairs officer could not confirm which agencies those officers represented. The Department of Homeland Security told reporters that ICE would not be making arrests at the graduation. Known details: - Some parents and relatives chose not to attend because of concerns about immigration checks after the base warned federal law enforcement would be present. - A base public affairs officer said federal officers helped with security but would not confirm their specific agency affiliations. - The Department of Homeland Security said ICE would not be making arrests at the event. - The Marine Corps tightened ID and access requirements for the event, citing elevated security measures. Summary: The announced presence of federal law enforcement led some immigrant families to avoid Parris Island graduation events, changing how graduates were able to celebrate with relatives. Officials described the security posture and said ICE would not be making arrests. Undetermined at this time.