SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A Camp Pendleton Marine was taken into custody this week after border officials say the Marine was trying to smuggle immigrants through a port of entry.
The junior-enlisted Marine was taken into custody early Monday morning by U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, according to the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. The Marine was reportedly bringing undocumented immigrants into the port.
The Marine is being held in civilian custody and CBP and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service were investigating. The lead authority in the case has not been determined.
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The Marine was not part of military personnel currently serving at the border to assist CBP and Border Patrol agents, Camp Pendleton said.
The Camp Pendleton Marine is the latest military member from the base to be charged in an immigration scandal. In July, 23 Marines were detained over human trafficking, drug distribution, and weapons charges, according to the base.
Of those 1st Marine Division Marines, six have pleaded guilty at court martial appearances. Thirteen Marines have approved pre-trial agreements requesting separation from the Marines instead of court martials or waiving separation board processes. Four remaining Marines are currently in the adjudication process.
