Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The potential transfer of the Customs division under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was a topic of discussion during the Senate confirmation hearing of DHS Acting Director nominee, Vaetagaloa Glenn Lefiti, last week.

At the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee hearing, chaired by Senator Olo Uluao Letuli, Senator Togiola T.A. Tulafono brought up the issue. He noted that Vaotagaloa had an extensive background with Customs, having served three years as Assistant Chief and eight years as Chief of Customs.

Senator Togiola asked Lefiti if he preferred to remain at Customs, where his extensive experience could be further utilized. In response, Vaetagaloa expressed his humility and honor at being considered by the governor to lead DHS. He also conveyed his willingness to assist the governor with any Customs-related matters if needed.

Togiola asked if there were any similarities in the duties and responsibilities of the Chief of Customs and the DHS Director. Vaetagaloa responded by highlighting that both positions share a common responsibility for securing the borders of the Territory to ensure public safety.

The senator from Sua District referred to the restructuring of federal departments and agencies implemented by the Trump administration where Customs is now part of the Department of Homeland Security. He sought Vaetagaloa's opinion on whether American Samoa should adopt a similar approach to enhance the security of its borders and public safety.

The Acting Director expressed his support for such a move but emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with the Governor.

Senator Togiola expressed his concern that Homeland Security was focusing predominantly on drug-related issues, potentially at the expense of collaborating with international and regional law enforcement agencies such as Interpol and the South Pacific Islands Criminal Intelligence Network (SPICIN) to enhance regional security. He asked the director nominee for his perspective on this matter.

Vaetagaloa responded by explaining that DHS has a Fusion Center tasked with reaching out to all law enforcement agencies, including Interpol and the FBI, as well as regional entities. He noted that while they have the necessary capacity, he has not yet had the opportunity to thoroughly review the communication processes and procedures. However, he emphasized that they are fully equipped to handle these responsibilities.

He assured the senators that moving forward, he would prioritize this aspect, recognizing its significance, especially since American Samoa is the only U.S. possession in the southern hemisphere.

Togiola commented on President Trump's plan to scale down federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI and asked the director nominee if he was ready for this and where he would get the assistance that DHS used to get.

Vaetagaloa said he will be traveling to Honolulu next month to meet with the Homeland Security Department there to discuss what assistance can be provided to the territory in the event this happens.

Responding to a question from Senator Tuanaitau Malaki Togiola about drug seizures when Vaetagaloa headed customs, the director nominee said there about 10 drug seizures were made through the canine program and also through the mail.

Senator Levu Iosia raised the issue of the recent break-in, during which weapons were stolen from the Customs office in Tafuna. He stated that his understanding was that when Customs seizes weapons, they are required to report the seizure and then turn the weapons over to the police.

Vaetagaloa responded by stating that while he is unsure of the current process, during his tenure, the procedure mandated that prohibited weapons be handed over to Public Safety within five days of their seizure by customs.

Senator Ma’o requested that the nominee ensure that background checks are conducted in a timely manner, noting that delays in this process are hindering job opportunities for many applicants.

The senators expressed their agreement with the proposal to transfer the Customs Division, currently under the Treasury, to the Department of Homeland Security. Some senators alleged that customs agents had been bribed to turn a blind eye and allow drugs to enter the territory.

Senate President Tuaolo stated that Vaetagaloa is the son of the late Paramount Chief Lefiti Faafetai, who served as Senate President Pro Temp. He again expressed his joy in seeing the children of the Territory assuming leadership roles in the government. Senator Muagututia echoed Tuaolo’s sentiment.

Later in the regular session that followed, the senators confirmed Vaetagaloa's nomination with a unanimous vote of 16- 0.