SUSPECTED HUMAN SMUGGLING OPERATION DISRUPTED ON KAWEHNO:KE

Akwesasne, ON – On June 7, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) was contacted by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police regarding a serious incident involving suspected human smuggling.

 

Three individuals — an adult male, an adult female, and a child — were intercepted by Tribal Police in the area of Raquette Point, Akwesasne, New York. The individuals, who had Brazilian passports and spoke limited English, reported that they had been held against their will for several days at a private residence. During this time, they were provided with minimal necessities. 

 

Through investigation it led police to identify the location to a residence on Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island), Akwesasne, Ontario.

 

The victims also indicated that more individuals were being held at the same property. This prompted an urgent operational response involving the Akwesasne Organized Crime Unit (AOCU), patrol officers, and SAVE (Snowmobile, ATV, Vessel Enforcement) units. 

 

While police were actively monitoring the location, two more individuals believed to be migrants were dropped off at the exact location. In the interest of public safety, officers entered the residence and located two additional migrants, along with a resident from Akwesasne. All individuals were safely detained. Background checks confirmed that the two additional migrants had active extradition warrants from the United States related to immigration violations.

 

The matter is still under investigation. No further information can be provided at this time. 

 

This operation was carried out with the collaborative efforts of the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police, RCMP, Sûreté du Québec (SQ), CBSA and the RCMP. 

 

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service has identified persons of interest. If you have any information that may assist our investigators, please get in touch with AMPS at (613) 575-2340 or submit a secure tip by email at tips@akwesasne.ca. You may also provide an anonymous tip to Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. 

 

Nia:wen/Thank you for your continued support.