Jordanian Quantico breach suspect freed under Biden arrested again by ICE: report

In May 2024, a concerning incident unfolded at Marine Corps Base Quantico, a high-security facility in Virginia that also serves as a training ground for the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration. Two illegal immigrants from Jordan, Hasan Yousef Hamdan, 32, and Mohammad Khair Dabous, 28, were arrested for allegedly trespassing onto the base by driving a box truck through its gates. The incident raised alarms among experts, who warned that this could have been a “dry run” for a potential terrorist attack. Despite the severity of the allegations, both men were released on bond—$15,000 for Hamdan and $10,000 for Dabous—under the condition that they attend all future immigration hearings and stay away from U.S. military facilities. However, Hamdan was re-arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and taken to a detention facility in Bowling Green, Virginia, though the reasons for his re-arrest remain unclear.

The case has sparked outrage and criticism, particularly from lawmakers who question why individuals accused of such a serious breach were allowed to post bail. Hamdan, who entered the U.S. illegally near San Diego in April 2024, was reportedly on a terror watch list, yet he was still granted bond. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona, who accused the Biden administration of prioritizing the comfort of foreign nationals over national security. The controversy highlights broader debates over immigration enforcement and the handling of potential security threats under the current administration.

Mohammad Khair Dabous, the second individual involved, entered the U.S. on a student visa but overstayed his visa after it expired. Both men were initially stopped by military police at the base’s gate, but Hamdan allegedly ignored instructions and attempted to drive the box truck into the compound. Authorities found no weapons on the men, and they were not initially charged with any terror-related crimes. However, experts like Dave Katz, a former federal firearms instructor and security expert, have expressed concerns about the incident. Katz warned that the men’s story—claiming they were Amazon delivery drivers—raises red flags, as it is unlikely that contractors for Amazon would attempt to breach a secure military facility. Katz likened the incident to the 9/11 hijackers, who tested security measures by carrying box cutters onto planes before the actual attack. He speculated that the box truck could have been a “dry run” for a future attack involving an explosives-laden vehicle.

The charges related to the breach were dismissed in October 2024 at the request of then-U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber, who was nominated by President Biden in 2021. Aber has since been replaced by U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert, a veteran federal prosecutor and former police officer. While the criminal charges were dropped, both men still face immigration proceedings, and their cases remain under scrutiny. The dismissal of charges has raised questions about the handling of the case by federal prosecutors, with critics arguing that it reflects a broader pattern of leniency toward illegal immigrants under the Biden administration.

The re-arrest of Hamdan by ICE has added another layer to the story, as it suggests that authorities may have uncovered new information about his background or activities. Bowling Green, where Hamdan is being held, is home to the Caroline Detention Facility, which houses asylum seekers and illegal immigrants awaiting deportation. ICE has not provided details about the reasons for Hamdan’s re-arrest, leaving many unanswered questions. The case has also drawn attention to the challenges of immigration enforcement, particularly when it involves individuals who may pose a potential security risk.

Ultimately, the incident at Quantico has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over U.S. immigration policies and national security. Critics argue that the release of Hamdan and Dabous on bond, despite the seriousness of the allegations, reflects a failure to prioritize public safety and national security. Supporters of the administration, on the other hand, may point to the lack of concrete evidence linking the men to terrorist activities and emphasize the importance of due process. As the case moves forward, it will likely continue to spark discussions about how to balance security concerns with the rights of immigrants, particularly in an era of heightened global tensions.