A man was arrested this week after jumping a wall at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Bijan Arceo, 32, was charged with trespassing with the intent to commit an offense. According to jail records, he was held at the Palm Beach County Jail on a $20,000 bond and then released later on Thursday, January 23.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, January 22 at approximately 6 p.m., although some sources say it happened on Tuesday, January 21. Secret Service agents detained Arceo after he accessed the property by scaling an exterior wall on the east side of the estate along South Ocean Boulevard, near the north service gate. Palm Beach police responded promptly to assist in securing the scene, as detailed in a police affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital.
Authorities stated that Mar-a-Lago is surrounded by numerous “No Trespassing” signs and tall gates designed to deter unauthorized entry. Despite these measures, Arceo managed to bypass security. The Secret Service confirmed that he had not been screened or granted permission to enter the property. Per protocol, all individuals must undergo screening at a designated location near the estate before being allowed on the grounds.
“While the incident had no impact on our protective operations, we take these matters extremely seriously,” the Secret Service said. “This arrest is being handled locally, and we remain thankful to the Town of Palm Beach Police Department for their quick response and partnership.”
The arrest report revealed that the area where Arceo entered the property was adjacent to a closed gate marked with “No Trespassing” signs. Authorities have not disclosed Arceo’s motives or any specific actions he intended to take once on the property.
It is not the first time unauthorized individuals have attempted to breach security at Mar-a-Lago. From July through November 2024, a California resident named Zijie Li was arrested several times after repeatedly trying to enter the club without authorization. After that incident, enhanced security measures were reportedly implemented around the estate.
In 2019, Yujing Zhang, a Chinese national, gained unauthorized access to Mar-a-Lago carrying a malware flash drive. She was later convicted of trespassing and lying to federal agents. Zhang’s case highlighted vulnerabilities in the estate’s security systems and raised concerns about potential espionage.
The Secret Service has since increased its security protocols for Mar-a-Lago, which functions as a private club and a residence for President Trump. These measures include additional no-trespassing signage, gated barriers, and stricter access controls. Despite these precautions, the property’s high-profile status continues to make it a target for trespassers.
Mar-a-Lago’s security has been further scrutinized because it is a hub for political and social events. South Ocean Boulevard, which runs alongside the property, has been closed periodically during Trump’s visits to Palm Beach. The road is reopened only when Trump is away for extended periods, typically two or more days.
Following an attempted assassination of Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July 2024, security measures were further bolstered at Mar-a-Lago. The incident, which left one person dead and two others injured, led to tighter restrictions around Trump’s residences and public appearances.
Arceo appeared in court following his arrest and pleaded not guilty. Judge Ashley Zuckerman ordered him to have no contact with Trump, Mar-a-Lago, or any federally restricted area. His next court appearance will be on January 30. Authorities have not disclosed any additional details about the case, including Arceo’s motives.