SECURITY

For the Bataan Memorial Death March, you will be entering White Sands Missile Range, a military base. This means you will be entering property managed by the United States Federal Government. Some restrictions will apply.

Please read the information below so you will know what to expect during your visit to White Sands Missile Range, restrictions, and what you will need to enter.

  • Marchers and viewers attending the Bataan Memorial Death March should be prepared for increased security and possible delays prior to the event

  • Motorists are asked to have their vehicle pass prominently displayed in their windshield and to have their IDs ready when they are entering the post. Passengers must also have their IDs ready. Personnel who do not have a picture ID will experience lengthy delays outside the gate while their information is completely checked. Motorists should not be surprised if they or their vehicle(s) are searched. “Everyone is subject to search.” Marchers should plan on arriving at the gates no later than 4:30 a.m. Motorists coming in from the El Paso gate are asked not to come in after 4:45 a.m., or they will run the risk of being stuck in traffic. Martin Luther King Avenue will be closed to all traffic at 5:30 a.m.  Random NCIC checks will be conducted on those personnel entering the installation.

  • Everyone entering the installation should have a valid photo ID. Drivers must also have proof of valid insurance and valid registration.
  • Privately Owned Weapons are not authorized on federal property at any time. Please ensure that you DO NOT bring privately owned weapons onto White Sands Missile Range. Concealed Carry permits Do NOT authorize a person to carry on federal property.

  • Marchers will receive their vehicle visitor’s pass during online registration or a week prior to the event. It is important that the pass not be displayed should marchers leave the installation. The pass should be put away in a safe place until they return to post to help prevent participants from experiencing loss of the pass or becoming a possible target of any type. When entering the installation, please have your pass prominently displayed for security personnel.

  • There will be several law enforcement agencies that will be supporting this year’s event. The agencies will be assigned to zones along the March Route and around the venue area. All unattended packs are subject to search, therefore, we request that all participants maintain positive control of any items and packs brought on the installation.

  • Except for emergency vehicles, the Las Cruces gate will be closed to outbound range traffic between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. on the day of the march. Motorists should make arrangements to avoid being delayed on post during these hours.

  • All motorcyclist must have:
    – Motorcycle driver’s license
    – Motorcycle registration
    – Proof of insurance
    – DOT approved helmet/shatter resistant goggles or face shield
    – Sturdy over the ankle boots – leather, Cardura, or ballistic
    – Full finger riding gloves