Marine Corps Officers Ball

I got asked to go to the Marine Corps Ball by a friend of mine, but it's being held at a hotel in downtown san diego. I REALLY want to go but I have no clue if there are checkpoints along the way. Obviously I've never been there, and I'm wondering if it's safe enough to go. I don't think we'll be anywhere near the border but I'm a little freaked regardless. If anyone that's ever been near there can help me out, I'd GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!

Well - I've been down that path several times. There are 2 checkpoints - one in San Clemente on the 5 (I believe) and another one on the 15 - so they are hard to 'escape' from.

However, a few years ago (don't know about recently) they do close down during busy periods. Plus if I remember correctly they also do not ask for ID from every single car - just eyeballing (aka profiling).

What I've done is taken the train - you do have to show ID for the train, but if you have a current government ID (passport) you should be fine. I've never seen ICE agents on the train from San Diego - I go bus. class - it costs like 15 bucks more.

I'm assuming you're coming from LA. Perhaps your marine friend can bring you back up to LA - doubtful they will harass a marine-looking dude - but I'm not sure and I don't want to give you any illusions or bad advice - I'm just talking from MY experiences and have no idea what's going on in those checkpoints today. (huge disclaimer).

I'm not driving, he's picking me up from LA and taking me back, so I won't be driving at all. I'd be the passenger the whole time.

If you guys take the southbound I-5 there is no checkpoint there, but there is a lot of BP presence, but if he's driving it's a lot better for you, don't panic if they pull you over, the BP is looking for drug money, if you're going South, and drugs if you're going North, of course they're also looking for undocumented immigrants, but if you get pulled over they will most likely be looking for drugs or money. If you get sent to inspection at the checkpoint then that's a different story. The checkpoint is not in operation 24/7/365, and not all cars are sent to inspection. It is not too likely that you will come in contact with with the BP, Good Luck!

@ivan81- Thank You! you have no idea how much that helps ease my mind.

Tell your friend to put up his uniform, they won't stop a marine and check his documents.

Southbound there is no checkpoint correct - it's coming back up is the checkpoint. You can see it here:

http://g.co/maps/4zrwm - check out the street view - it takes you through the whole checkpoint - it was closed this day apparently.

I agree with MIdreamer - have your marine friend "marine" it up. =)

Normally their cars have a sticker for entry on the base - plus his haircut = marine - I also doubt they will mess with him.

Where in LA are you from??? I think my friend is going to the same ball.

It is a little risky. there are two checkpoints going north. one in san clemente and another one in temecula. i get really nervous when I have to go to LA. as far as San Diego. there is a lot of ICE in downtown. I even stopped going to the bank there because there was crazy ICE agents on Broadway especially by the train/bus station "Santa Fe". aside from ICE there are also a number of undercover agents stopping suspicious people. I know this because I was once stopped the undercover US marshalls at the station. the only searched my bags and asked where I was going but if they had asked me for ID I'd be toasted. I try not to go anywhere I don't have to but if I am in a car with someone with license it makes things a little easier.

This is CRAZY. Kinda sounds like nazi-style checkpoints. It sucks that they got my dreamer brothers and sisters living in fear. Stay strong Cali!