Federal and Canadian law enforcement leaders met with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council at the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation near Hogansburg, New York, on June 4. The meeting was organized by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and included representatives from several agencies such as the FBI, ATF, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Secret Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, and New York State Police.
The primary focus of the meeting was to enhance collaboration between federal agencies and the Tribal Council to improve public safety within the Akwesasne Territory.
Acting United States Attorney Sarcone said, “Thank you to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council for their gracious welcome and our robust discussion. I look forward to continuing my Office’s strong relationship with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police, and federal law enforcement and Canadian partners. We remain committed to working with our Tribal partners to target criminals who exploit the Akwesasne Territory to fuel their greed and to smuggle guns, drugs and people across the U.S.-Canada border.”
FBI Special Agent Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Ensuring the safety of our communities can only be accomplished when we collaborate and leverage our tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement partnerships. This meeting was an important step forward, and the FBI appreciates the U.S. Attorney bringing everyone together for this impactful discussion. FBI Albany is committed to building these relationships and working together to investigate anyone looking to exploit the Akwesasne Territory through criminal activity that endangers the community.”
HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan stated: “I was proud to participate in this historic meeting between members of federal law enforcement and members of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation in which we reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to securing our northern border through the power of collaboration. Our long-standing partnership with Canadian law enforcement, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police, the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service and our state, local and federal partners on the HSI Massena Homeland Security Task Force exemplifies the strength of collective action in safeguarding our communities and ensuring the safety of our nation. Together, we are building a safer future.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III stated: “The DEA was honored to join with our federal partners in meeting Chief Beverly Cook and the leadership of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council. We are deeply grateful for the time they extended to us. We value the opportunity to build trust, engage in meaningful dialogue, and strengthen our partnership as we work together to protect all communities from the threat of illicit narcotics and fentanyl.”
Bryan Miller, ATF Special Agent in Charge of New York Field Division said: “ATF New York was honored to join our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in meeting with tribal leaders to discuss shared public safety priorities. Strengthening relationships begins with open dialogue, and we value the opportunity to sit together, listen, and address issues impacting our communities. Collaboration and mutual respect are essential to keeping all our communities safe.”
Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia commented: “Swanton Sector Border Patrol is committed to maintaining our already remarkable relationship with Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police and Akwesasne Mohawk Police Services. Our shared mission is protecting public while preventing transnational criminal organizations from misusing territory by smuggling humans or contraband across region.”
IRS-CI Special Agent Harry T. Chavis Jr., New York Field Office added: “It is incredibly important that IRS-CI continue building relationships with all federal state local tribal partners for continued collaboration cooperation...We look forward enhancing financial investigations more information sharing ensure safety well-being communities.”
USPIS Inspector Ketty Larco-Ward said: “I greatly appreciate Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council for thoughtful welcome valuable insights shared about history people...This important meeting reinforces shared commitment protecting communities through strategic collaboration vision among tribal federal state local law enforcement partners...United States Postal Inspection Service remains committed building partnerships continuing collective efforts protect US Mail from criminal activity; protect employees infrastructure customers; ensure public trust mail.”
U.S Secret Service Acting Special Agent Charles Perras remarked: “The value partnerships core tenet United States Secret Service...express sincere gratitude St Regis Mohawk Tribal Council police hospitality hosting federal partners insightful productive meeting shared public safety concerns.”
BIA Division Deputy Associate Director Tom Atkinson said: “The Bureau Indian Affairs Division Drug Enforcement honored joined council important dialogue...Opportunities like these strengthen commitment collaborative initiatives dedicated building lasting partnerships stakeholders involved.”
RCMP Deputy Commander Karine Gagne stated: “The RCMP remains committed working closely US law enforcement disrupt cross-border criminal activity respecting unique policing environment territory...This reflects strength cross-border relationships dedication partnership build trust address challenges ensure safety both sides border.”
During this event—the first gathering at Akwesasne involving such a broad group—tribal officials presented historical context regarding Indigenous experiences including effects from past government policies such as residential schools as well as environmental contamination affecting residents today.
Chief Beverly Cook’s presentation outlined how intergenerational trauma has impacted families on territory noting higher rates Adverse Childhood Experiences compared surrounding areas.
Accordingly representatives agreed that further cooperation would help address ongoing security challenges while recognizing sovereignty culture rights governing body.
The council thanked all participating agencies for their visit engagement on issues facing land community people.
