A group of federal law enforcement leaders, along with Canadian officials, 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 and led by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York.
The gathering included representatives from several agencies: the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (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 main focus was to improve collaboration between federal agencies and the Tribal Council to enhance public safety in 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 the New York Field Division stated: “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 the issues impacting our communities. Collaboration and mutual respect are essential to keeping all our communities safe.”
Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia stated: “Swanton Sector Border Patrol is committed to maintaining our already remarkable relationship with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police and The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Services. Our shared mission is to protect public while preventing transnational criminal organizations from misusing territory by smuggling humans illicit goods dangerous contraband across region.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis Jr., New York Field Office stated: “It is incredibly important that IRS-CI continue build relationships all federal state local tribal partners continued collaboration cooperation We look forward enhancing financial investigations more information sharing ensure safety well-being communities.”
USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward stated: “I greatly appreciate Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council thoughtful welcome valuable insights shared Akwesasne’s history people This important meeting reinforces shared commitment protecting communities serve strategic collaboration shared vision among tribal federal state local law enforcement partners United States Postal Inspection Service remains committed building partnerships continuing collective efforts Akwesasne Territory protect US Mail criminal activity; protect employees infrastructure customers; ensure public trust mail”
U.S Secret Service Acting Special Agent Charles Perras said: “The value partnerships core tenet United States Secret Service such would like express sincere gratitude St Regis Mohawk Tribal Council Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police hospitality hosting federal partners insightful productive meeting shared public safety law enforcement concerns”
BIA Division Drug Enforcement Deputy Associate Director Tom Atkinson said: “The Bureau Indian Affairs Division Drug Enforcement honored have joined Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council important dialogue Opportunities like these strengthen commitment collaborative public safety initiatives remain dedicated building lasting partnerships stakeholders involved”
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Deputy Commander Karine Gagne Criminal Operations Eastern Region said: “The RCMP remains committed working closely US law enforcement partners disrupt cross-border criminal activity respecting unique policing environment Akwesasne territory This meeting reflects strength cross-border relationships collective dedication working partnership Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service build trust address public safety challenges ensure safety all communities both sides border”
During this event—the first time so many agencies gathered at Akwesasne—Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Chief Beverly Cook gave a presentation titled “Common Ground,” outlining historical context about Indigenous peoples’ experience with U.S policies as well as contemporary challenges faced by residents including intergenerational trauma linked partly environmental contamination higher rates Adverse Childhood Experiences compared surrounding areas.
Officials from multiple agencies attended including senior staff from both tribal police departments as well as representatives from major American investigative agencies Canadian authorities highlighting a broad effort toward improving cooperation on security matters affecting both sides of border.
The council emphasized gratitude toward those visiting officers stating their appreciation for taking time learn about land community its people.
