By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Twenty-seven Chinese nationals have been intercepted upon their unauthorized arrival into Guam within the last two weeks and 21 of these individuals were caught yesterday, the CNMI Office of the Governor and the Homeland Security and Emergency Management, announced today.
Their arrival was intercepted at Ritidian Point in the northern part of Guam.
While investigations are currently ongoing, enforcement personnel believe that Chinese nationals used boat vessels for transportation because they wanted to avoid immigration processes that were anticipated if travel was completed by commercial plane.
CNMI Gov. Arnold I. Palacios said his administration will continue to collaborate with the CNMI’s partners on Guam and with federal authorities to curb illegal entry into the territories.
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“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 Chinese nationals had been transported to Guam from Saipan on vessels owned by CNMI residents. The boats intercepted yesterday were making their way back to Saipan but were diverted to Rota.
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.
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.
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