Guam’s first line of defense, the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, is making its case for a stronger, smarter, and more modern force – requesting just over $22.3 million for their Fiscal Year 2026 budget. CQA reports it is currently 42% understaffed, with just 128 uniformed officers and 16 support staff, well below its optimal force of 300 and 30, respectively.

Despite that, the agency seized over 230 pounds of meth, nearly 3 pounds of fentanyl, and about 190,000 pounds of illegal agriculture products. It also doubled its canine unit teams, hosted a major regional and international partnership conference, and reached 3,000 residents through outreach.

Next year’s plans include deploying 45 new officers, launching a drone unit, and modernizing port technology. CQA is also requesting an extra $2.8 million for x-ray machines, K-9 care, and more trainees.

If the budget is approved, the investment could mean new officers on the ground, advanced drone surveillance, and modernized border protection technology, all crucial to keeping Guam safe.

For now, CQA is counting on legislative support and federal grants to bring this vision to life, and secure the island’s future.