16 Marines arrested for smuggling undocumented immigrants, drug offenses

Sixteen Marines were arrested early Thursday morning for "alleged involvement in various illegal activities," including human smuggling and drug-related offenses, according to a U.S. Marine Corps. (USMC) statement.

"Information gained from a previous human smuggling investigation precipitated the arrests,” the release said, adding that the arrests transpired at Camp Pendleton, Calif., during a battalion formation.

“None of the Marines arrested or detained for questioning served in support of the Southwest Border Support mission,” the release states.

The release added that eight other Marines “were taken aside to be questioned on their involvement in alleged drug offenses unrelated to today’s arrests.”