Embedded Files
6/18/2025 —The spokesperson from the Honolulu office of Homeland Security Investigations said the arrests made by HSI and Enforcement and Removal Operations on Saipan were due to overstaying.
HSI first addressed the arrest near the Garapan Roundhouse along Middle Road.
“On June 16, 2025, Xianghua He, a citizen national of the People’s Republic of China, was arrested by HSI and ERO for overstaying her conditional parole. He was instructed to report to the Saipan ERO office. After her failure to appear, a warrant for her arrest was issued,” HSI said in an email to Marianas Press.
On the same day at the MIHA Housing in Garapan, HSI and ERO also arrested another citizen of the PROC.
“On June 16, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations Saipan and U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted an enforcement operation pursuant to an administrative arrest warrant for Xianmin Zhang. Zhang, a citizen and national of the People’s Republic of China, entered the United States on a CW-1 nonimmigrant visa. Zhang was arrested for overstaying her authorized period of stay,” an email from the HSI spokesperson read.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, meanwhile, called for the addition of a humane component in dealing with overstayers. He also said he has yet to get a briefing from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on the recent immigration operations they’ve conducted in the CNMI.
“I know that that's an issue that, unless it's critical, and they need to give me the information, I respect that. I respect their process, albeit, you know, I wish... I wish they'd make sure that they consider being given a human dimension to how they do this thing,” he said in an interview with Marianas Press.
Palacios did acknowledge that ICE operations against illegal immigrants aren’t only confined to the CNMI, but is happening all over the country.
“It's been done across the country, and the Commonwealth is no exception. If they're overstayers, obviously, they're going to start getting those things done, too,” he said.
In an earlier interview with Marianas Press, Philippine Consul General Maria Fe T. Lemque reaffirmed the consulate’s strong working relationship with ICE and HSI in both Guam and the CNMI.
“The system works. When Filipinos are apprehended, we are notified in a timely and complete manner,” she said.
While the Philippine Consulate General in Agana, Guam does not intervene in the documentation process, Lemque said they offer assistance to those seeking to voluntarily return to the Philippines, including travel documents, airfare, and modest financial aid.
“If you can get documented, do so. But for those who want to go home and lack resources, we’re here to help,” she added.
Philippine Consulate General in Agana’s jurisdiction encompasses Guam, the CNMI, Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Marshall Islands.
By Mark Rabago
Report abuse