LOS ANGELES — In a shocking move Monday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos Ruiz while he was giving an inspiring speech.
Ruiz, originally from Sonora, Mexico, was visiting the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, an infantry battalion temporarily stationed in Los Angeles. According to witnesses, he had just begun motivating Marines about unity and the pride of wearing the uniform.
“You might be worried about the world right now, but take a moment to remember the honor and legacy of the Marines before us,” Ruiz began passionately. “As someone who wasn’t born here but chose this country, I feel immense pride when I hand that eagle, globe, and anchor to new Marines…”
At that moment, a nearby ICE agent reportedly yelled, “He’s an immigrant, get him!” prompting a group of masked agents to tackle Ruiz, pin him to the ground, and swiftly handcuff him.
Confused Marines looked to their leaders for guidance, but all senior officers seemed to be preoccupied in other directions. Ruiz was then loaded into an unmarked vehicle and transported across state lines, complicating any immediate legal challenges.
This shocking detention comes amid a pattern of controversial deportations affecting Marine Corps families and veterans. However, Ruiz’s case marks the first time a uniformed active-duty Marine leader has been targeted.
Reacting quickly, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith condemned the move. “This is completely unacceptable,” Smith stated. “The Sergeant Major embodies the very soul of the Corps. Deporting him threatens to tear out that soul entirely.”
Smith vowed that leadership would act swiftly to appoint a new Sergeant Major “by close of business.”
Legal Efforts
At press time, a habeas corpus petition had been filed for Ruiz, but sources report he was already transferred to prison authorities in El Salvador — beyond the reach of U.S. courts.