Police in Akwesasne Mohawk Territory break up suspected human smuggling operation

Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service logo. (Facebook)

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service says it disrupted a suspected human smuggling operation in its territory this past weekend.

In a news release, the police service said three people with Brazilian passports were found near Raquette Point, Akwesasne, N.Y., on Saturday. The individuals — a man, a woman, and a child — told police they had been held against their will for several days and were given minimal necessities.

The investigation led police to a home on Cornwall Island, in Ontario, police said.

“While police were actively monitoring the location, two more individuals believed to be migrants were dropped off at the exact location,” the news release said. “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 Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service said the investigation remains ongoing and no other information would be made available.

No charges have been announced. Akwesasne police said the operation was carried out with assistance from Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police, the RCMP, Sûreté du Québec, and the Canada Border Services Agency.

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service has identified persons of interest. Anyone with information is asked to call [phone] or submit a secure tip by email at [e-mail]. You may also provide an anonymous tip to Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).