An illegal Chinese immigrant was arrested in California on Wednesday after entering a Marine Corps base without permission and ignoring orders to leave, officials said.
Border Patrol El Centro Area Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino said his agents responded to a report from the base that Chinese nationals had “entered the base without authorization and ignored orders to leave.”
A spokesperson for the U.S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command told Fox News Digital that the individual attempted to gain access to the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif., without valid identification. .
Chinese immigrants cross multiple countries to reach US southern border: ‘I just want to make money’
This photo shows Chinese migrants captured after entering a military base on March 27, 2024. (Customs and Border Security)
“The individual entered the facility without authorization despite facility security urging him to exit through the Condor gate. Military law enforcement was immediately notified and the individual was taken into custody,” the spokesperson said. Stated.
The base then contacted Customs and Border Protection (CBP), who subsequently took him into custody. CBP said Border Patrol agents responded to a report of a Chinese suspect driving onto the base without permission. Investigators arrived and determined the man was a Chinese national living in the United States illegally.
“It has been confirmed that the subject is an illegal resident,” Bovino said on X (formerly Twitter). “The purpose and intent behind his actions are still under investigation.”
Since Oct. 1, there have been more than 22,000 encounters with Chinese nationals at the southern border, a significant increase from 2,176 in the federal fiscal year and 450 in fiscal 2021.
China is one of more than 150 countries that represent migrants arriving at its southern border. Some officials and Republican lawmakers have expressed concern that single adults entering the country from geopolitical rivals could pose a national security threat.
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“There are numerous documented cases of Chinese nationals engaging in espionage and stealing military and economic secrets at the direction of the Chinese Communist Party.” group of republican senators I was warned last year.
They said border crossers could include “individuals who may engage in espionage or cyberattacks against critical infrastructure, government agencies, or the private sector.”
But other immigrants told Fox they were just trying to make a better life for themselves and their families in the United States.
Chinese illegal immigrants increase at record-breaking pace at US southern border
Marines at Twentynine Palms base. (Luis Cinco/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
“My English is not very good and I don’t know anyone in the United States,” one immigrant said this month. “I know that once I get to America, I will have to start all over again. But I want to have a good life in the future and I want my children to have a good education. We are trying to make it take root as soon as possible. “
CBP said Friday that it does not comment on sensitive law enforcement matters but works closely with law enforcement, intelligence agencies and federal partners to identify individuals who may pose a threat to national security or public safety. He said he is doing so.
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The agency emphasized to Fox News Digital that it is increasing penalties for illegal immigrants.
“DHS continues to enforce U.S. immigration laws, expanding legal channels while increasing enforcement impact against those who cross the border illegally. Individuals and families without legal basis to be in the U.S. “Re-entry applications are subject to a minimum grace period of five years, after which re-entry without authorization may result in criminal prosecution.” Yes,” authorities said in a statement. “CBP leverages all available resources and partnerships to efficiently vet and process immigrants in accordance with the law.”
