Governor Pulaali’i calls for establishment of FBI resident office in American Samoa

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Enhancing Public Safety in American Samoa! Governor Pulaali'i Nikolao Pula met with FBI officials at the Honolulu Field Office on March 24, 2025, to strengthen ties and address critical law enforcement needs.

Key discussions included expanding training for the Department of Public Safety and the Attorney General's Office, combating drug trafficking, and enhancing border security to prevent the flow of illicit substances into the territory.

Governor Pulaali’i also requested the establishment of an FBI resident office in American Samoa to ensure a stronger federal law enforcement presence. Together, these efforts aim to protect our shores, strengthen justice, and ensure the safety and well-being of our people. #PublicSafety #Collaboration #AmericanSamoa #FBI #Partnership #DrugPrevention #

Effective July 3, 2012, the FBI closed its field office in American Samoa due to budgetary reasons. At the time, it announced that it would consolidate operations at its office in Honolulu, Hawaii. The field office had opened at the Pago Plaza in 2006 as a satellite office of the Honolulu Field Office.

The call for the FBI to reopen a field office in the Territory has gained momentum as the ‘aisa’ problem has become what many residents are calling an ‘epidemic’. In 2024, the Fono passed a Senate resolution requesting the FBI and Drug Enforcement Agency to help with the illegal drug problem in American Samoa. There has also been a call for the FBI to look into local corruption including the awarding of contracts for federal funded projects.