Why were two Russian women detained at Camp Pendleton?

The two Russian women were detained after they accidentally drove onto the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California, reportedly due to a navigation app error while looking for a McDonald's.

What is the current status of the Russian women detained at Camp Pendleton?

As of January 26, 2026, the two Russian women are in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Service and are being held at a local deportation center pending repatriation.

Is accidental trespassing a common issue at Camp Pendleton?

Yes, according to local sources, incidents of accidental trespassing at Camp Pendleton are a known recurring issue, with the response varying based on military personnel's discretion.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Wrong Turn Lands Russian Women at US Military Base

Wrong Turn Lands Russian Women at US Military Base

28 Jan

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Summary

Two Russian women drove onto Camp Pendleton by mistake.
Their navigation app directed them onto the military base.
They were detained and now face deportation from the US.

Wrong Turn Lands Russian Women at US Military Base

Two Russian citizens, Kristina and Natasha from Samara, were reportedly detained and are facing deportation from the United States after accidentally driving onto Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California.

Last week, while on a road trip near San Diego, the two friends used a navigation app to locate a McDonald's. The application's directions led them directly onto the military base. They were apprehended by soldiers in a parking area and their vehicle was subsequently impounded.

As of January 26, 2026, US Immigration and Customs Service had custody of the two women, who are being held at a local deportation center awaiting repatriation. Consular officials from the Russian embassy are engaging with US immigration authorities to understand the full circumstances of the incident, although the US State Department has not yet formally notified diplomats.