Some Marines graduate without their parents' presence amid ICE fears

News that ICE would be stationed outside Marine Corps graduation events upended family plans, elicited national reaction and drew out some protesters, including Marine veterans.

PARRIS ISLAND, South Carolina — Pvt. Ramirez Garcia considered giving up a lot of times during her recruit training at Marine Corps Depot Parris Island.

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“I’m glad I pushed through," said the newly graduated Marine, who withheld her first name out of caution as a member of the military. “I’m glad I was able to make it to today,” she said on Friday.

But two important people weren’t there on this milestone day: mom and dad. According to Ramirez Garcia’s sister Emily, their parents are in the U.S. on a work visa and were too scared to attend the graduation when they heard ICE could be doing security checks.