It’s a growing and concerning issue on Guam--Chinese Nationalists from the CNMI illegally arriving by boat without any penalty.

Guam Homeland Security Office of Civil Defense addressed the issue today claiming that border security is a complex multi-jurisdictional issue while immigration is exclusively federal.

They did note that they are monitoring the increase in the illegal entries in conjunction with the Mariana Regional Fusion Center and federal and military partners.

Guam Homeland Security Advisor, Samantha Brennan said “We have elevated our concerns regarding these emerging trends to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at the highest levels in order to collaboratively address this situation."

In the last several months, Guam Customs and Quarantine and law enforcement have seen a spike in illegal entry into Guam by boat from the CNMI with the most recent incident occurring on Tuesday.

Director of Customs and Quarantine Ike Peredo told KUAM news that seven more individuals illegally arrived by boat at the Hagatna Boat Basin.

Customs also does not have the authority to refuse them their entry and can only hand out fines to the arrivals.

Any suspicious activity can be reported to the Mariana Regional Fusion Center at (671) 475-0400 or email mrfc@ghs.guam.gov.