Chinese national caught smuggling migrants between US territories

• A Chinese national was sentenced to three months in prison for attempting to smuggle 12 Chinese migrants between the U.S. territories of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam. Prosecutors say Zhongli Pang aimed to exploit a loophole allowing Chinese visitors to enter the Northern Mariana Islands without a U.S. visa, unlike Guam, where higher wages are available.
• The smuggling attempt failed when Pang’s vessel ran out of fuel before reaching Guam. It led to a U.S. Coast Guard rescue of the stranded passengers.
• Authorities reported similar smuggling attempts in 2025 and vowed to continue efforts to prevent these types of unlawful crossings.

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A Chinese national will serve time in federal prison for attempting to smuggle migrants between the U.S. territories of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam. Zhongli Pang, 36, was sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiracy charges related to transporting “illegal aliens” and defrauding the United States.

How was this smuggling attempt carried out?

According to U.S. prosecutors, Pang tried to transport a total of 12 Chinese citizens from Saipan — the largest of the Northern Mariana Islands — to Guam. In addition to serving a three-month prison term, he has to complete 50 hours of community service.

Why are migrants trying to reach Guam?

Authorities allege that Pang sought to exploit a loophole allowing Chinese visitors to enter the Northern Mariana Islands without a U.S. visa, unlike Guam. Some Chinese nationals have attempted to make the more than 100-mile journey by sea to Guam in pursuit of better wages and job opportunities, often paying between $3,000 and $5,000 for passage on smuggling vessels.

Pang’s smuggling attempt failed when his vessel ran out of fuel before reaching its destination. The U.S. Coast Guard had to rescue the passengers.

What happens next?

Authorities have reported similar incidents involving Chinese nationals attempting unauthorized crossings in 2025, including a case last month. The U.S. Attorney for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, Shawn Anderson, vowed to “continue to target illegal aliens” attempting these crossings. Anderson also emphasized the dangers associated with the journey, saying “the risk to personal safety is substantial.”