GOVERNOR Arnold I. Palacios told U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman that the CNMI needs stronger federal enforcement to help curb illegal entries to Guam.
The governor was responding to the additional questions of the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, following his testimony during an oversight field hearing in Guam on Aug. 24, titled: “Peace Through Strength: The Strategic Importance of the Pacific Islands to U.S.-led Global Security.”
Westerman, R-Ar., chairs the committee.
In a letter to the governor, the congressman said: “Your testimony was extremely helpful in defining the Committee’s understanding of the issue and I appreciate the effort you took to prepare and present your testimony.”
In his follow-up letter, Westerman attached the subcommittee’s additional questions on how the CNMI is addressing illegal entries to Guam:
“What are you and your team doing to address this issue? Has it been determined what these individuals were aiming to do once in Guam?”
In his response, the governor said, “We are working with enforcement representatives and policymakers from federal agencies and the government of Guam to see how we can address and eliminate unauthorized entries of People’s Republic of China nationals into Guam from the CNMI.”
He added, “There is a need to strengthen federal enforcement efforts to help curb these entries, as the resources and legal authority by the Guam and CNMI governments are limited.”
He said he met recently with representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other agencies to expand the dialogue and collaboration with federal enforcement agencies.
The conversations with federal agencies are also aimed at helping to align local and federal activities to address illegal entries into Guam, Palacios said.
The CNMI “continues to be very concerned and seriously considers violations against any applicable U.S. laws that prohibit human smuggling or human trafficking,” he added.
Bruce Westerman
