AMPS and SRMTP Chief of Police – If You See Something, Say Something

Indian Time had the opportunity to speak to the chief of police of the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police (SRMTP). Chief of Police Shawn Dulude and Matt Rourke were forthcoming when they expressed their concerns in the recent increase in illegal entries into Akwesasne. Using our lands and waterways, and our own people, smugglers of humans connect with larger networks around the world. The going price to move a person from their homeland country to the United States is $7000.00. Most immigrants enter Canada legally, but their goal is to make it across to the U.S.

From the beginning of 2023, all agencies involved have seen a 25% increase in the number of illegal entries into Akwesasne. For 2020, one trafficking incident was reported, in 2021 four trafficking incidents were reported, in 2022, three trafficking incidents was reported.

Trafficking can be defined as ‘the act of buying or selling people, or of making money from work they are forced to do, such as sex work: human/people trafficking.’

Smuggling is reported on its own and in 2020, 19 reports were filed, in 2021 19 reports were filed, in 2022 there was an increase of 27 reports filed. Two months into 2023 and 16 reports of smuggling humans have been reported.

Smuggling can be defined as the illegal transportation of objects, substances, information or people, such as out of a house or buildings, or across an international border, in violation of applicable laws or other regulations.

Smuggled persons are generally free to do what they want once they have arrived at their country of destination. In contrast, trafficked persons have their liberty curtailed and are forced to provide their labor or service against their own will. Human trafficking does not require international border crossing, while human smuggling does. Human trafficking involves force, fraud, or coercion, but human smuggling does not.

Most immigrants who entered Akwesasne illegally were from East Indian countries, but with turmoil, unrest and civil and international war in various parts of the world, the police are finding other ethnic groups to be on the rise. Haitian, Romanians, Dominicans, among others are all searching for a safer, better place to live.

Rourke said for the most part, many illegal immigrants are looking for a safer, better place to live and many view the United States as that golden opportunity to make it their new home. Its difficult at best to discern who is deemed dangerous to the community of Akwesasne.

Reminding community members “that human smuggling is a crime and poses serious concerns for not only the individual(s) committing the act but the entire community of Akwesasne.”

Rourke and Dulude spoke of great concern they have for our first responders answering emergency calls related to human trafficking and smuggling. First responders are put at great risk when completing lifesaving events.

Besides people, cannabis and guns remains at the top of the list for smuggling. Licensed retail cannabis businesses in Akwesasne have a legal system to purchase their stock; unlicensed retail cannabis stores purchase their stock from various avenues available to them.

Rourke and Dulude encourage community members – “If you see something, say something.”

While human smuggling in Akwesasne is a public safety concern, please remember immigrants are human beings. These individuals are still deserving of respect and should not be exploited for monetary gain.

If you see something, say something. Please report any suspicious activity or persons in the area to the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (613-575- 2000), Akwesasne Crime Stoppers (613-575-2255), or the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police (518-358- 9200).