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27 caught entering Guam illegally
Twenty-seven Chinese nationals have been intercepted upon their unauthorized arrival into Guam within the last two weeks, according to Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Of that number 21 were intercepted last Saturday.
Their arrival was intercepted at Ritidian Point in the northern part of Guam. The Chinese nationals had been transported to Guam from Saipan on vessels owned by CNMI residents. The boats intercepted Saturday were making their way back to Saipan but were diverted to Rota.
While investigations are currently ongoing, enforcement personnel believe these Chinese nationals travelled by boat because they wanted to avoid immigration processes that were anticipated if travel was completed by commercial plane.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security noted that the individuals were in various immigration statuses including long-term overstays from conditional parole, or under expired work visas.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios stated that he and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang have committed to making certain that activities like these are curbed, and that they will continue to collaborate with the CNMI’s partners on Guam and with federal authorities to do what is necessary to ensure compliance with the law.
“We are working with local and federal agencies on this matter to ensure that individuals who are involved in any illicit activity that includes human trafficking are held accountable to the full extent of the law,” said Franklin Babauta, special assistant for Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
The investigation into these unauthorized entries is being conducted through a cooperative effort among local and federal agencies that include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Office, and other collaborating agencies. (PR)
