A group of federal law enforcement leaders from the United States and Canada 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.
Representatives from multiple agencies attended, including 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 of the meeting was to discuss collaboration between federal agencies and the Tribal Council to promote 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 the public while preventing transnational criminal organizations from misusing the territory by smuggling humans, illicit goods, and dangerous contraband across the region.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis Jr., New York Field Office stated: “It is incredibly important that IRS-CI continue to build relationships with all our federal, state, local and tribal partners for continued collaboration and cooperation. We look forward to enhancing our financial investigations with more information sharing to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.”
USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward stated: “I greatly appreciate the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council for their thoughtful welcome and valuable insights shared of Akwesasne’s history and people. This important meeting reinforces our shared commitment to protecting the communities we serve through strategic collaboration and a shared vision among our tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. The United States Postal Inspection Service remains committed to building partnerships and continuing collective efforts in the Akwesasne Territory to protect the U.S. Mail from criminal activity; protect its employees, infrastructure, and customers; and ensure public trust in mail.”
U.S. Secret Service Acting Special Agent in Charge Charles Perras stated: “The value of partnerships is a core tenet of United States Secret Service as 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 stated: “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 stated: “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”
According to information provided by Chief Beverly Cook during her presentation titled “Common Ground,” historical U.S policies have had intergenerational impacts on Indigenous populations at Akwesasne—particularly regarding residential schools as well as environmental contamination affecting health outcomes among residents—and recent studies indicate higher rates Adverse Childhood Experiences compared neighboring areas.
This gathering marked the first time that such a broad group representing tribal police alongside state local national international agencies convened at Akwesasne specifically address concerns related cooperation security community relations emphasizing role sovereignty self-governance within context modern policing.
The council expressed appreciation toward participating agencies for visiting learning about land community people.
