Government of Guam Warns Against Unauthorized Entry Into Guam; Will Take Criminal Action Against Those Who Violate Arrival Requirements
August 12, 2022, Tamuning, Guam – Local law enforcement agencies announced a collaboration aimed at increasing efforts to enforce entry requirements set by local law. This includes the enforcement of criminal statutes for individuals arriving into Guam without proper notice or clearance to Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency (CQA).
The federal government has the sole authority to enforce federal immigration policy and statutes. This includes authority to remove individuals who have illegally entered or remained in the United States. Guam law, however, sets forth certain requirements that all vessels must meet, including the submission of a notice of arrival. Individuals who violate these requirements are subject to both civil and criminal penalties.
“In response to recent events, we established a task force led by Guam Homeland Security to engage our law enforcement agencies and enhance security measures along our island’s coasts,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “At my directive, in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General and CQA, we have bolstered our border patrols with the assistance of the Guam Department of Agriculture, Guam Department of Labor, Guam Fire Department, Guam Homeland Security, Guam Police Department, and Port Authority of Guam.”
“Border security is a complex, multi-jurisdictional issue that affects all areas of public safety, but immigration is exclusively under the oversight of federal authorities,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “Despite our enforcement limits, we are actively monitoring our maritime borders for suspicious activity through increased land surveillance and sea vessel patrols. We encourage our island to stay alert and report any unusual sightings to the authorities.”
Residents who will be enjoying Guam’s beaches and shores this weekend are encouraged to report suspicious activity, to include boat docking and entry, to CQA Dispatch at 671-642-8071 or 8072 or the Guam Police Department.