By Pacific Island Times News Staff
The Government Accountability Office has agreed to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of the federalization of Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency.
"This is a long-standing issue, and while there are those concerned with the idea of federalization taking away the authority of a local agency from the local government, we must look at the larger perspective,” said Guam Del.
James Moylan who requested the study.
According to Moylan’s office, the study is estimated to be done in 12 months, with results provided by the fall of 2025, and would include GAO analysts and economists and interviews with local entities. The request for the study garnered the interest of House Chairman on Homeland Security Congressman Mark Greene, who authorized the study with GAO.
“Would having federal support improve our border protection from all aspects of air, land, and sea? Would we have better control over the importation of illegal drugs and invasive species?
These are the types of questions we hope to get answers to," said Moylan, who is seeking reelection.
"We also would like to see a plan that includes absorbing current officers and what training would be provided, which isn't in place today. This is just a study, and the results would allow for a greater conversation that will include the input of all parties involved, including the officers and local government," the Republican delegate added.
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The study is to determine the challenges the CQA faces with operations, funding, and access to resources to protect Guam's border. While on the surface, there are many positives with the intent of federalization, including increased pay and resources for officers, the study would analyze various perspectives.
"With the concerns of migrants from the PRC entering the island illegally, along with our discussions of the number of drugs entering the island, we shared these
conversations with many members of the House Homeland Security Committee and it sparked a lot of interest,” Moylan said.
Democratic congressional candidate Ginger Cruz cautioned against the federalization of Guam CQA, warning of potential unintended consequences, including higher costs for imported goods, weakened drug enforcement, the loss of Guam’s duty-free status, and the potential termination of local customs personnel.
“It’s important that we look carefully at all options for improving our customs agency, but we need to ensure that any steps we take will benefit Guam’s people and economy,” said Cruz. “There’s a difference between studying federalization
as a goal in itself and studying proposals that would directly improve customs operations. The latter ensures that we are guided by evidence, rather than making assumptions about what’s best for Guam.”
Cruz emphasized that Guam’s unique position in the Pacific requires tailored solutions to drug enforcement, particularly given that 90 percent of the illegal
drugs entering the island come through Hawaii and the mainland. Unlike U.S. Customs, which does not inspect domestic shipments from the states, Guam Customs inspects incoming shipments.
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