JASON SETNYK
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has issued a statement criticizing federal law enforcement agencies following raids conducted May 20 at multiple locations in Massena and Akwesasne.
In a statement, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council said it does not support criminal activity on the Territory, including drug trafficking or illegal firearms, but expressed “grave concerns” about how the operation was carried out. Tribal leaders said federal agencies failed to follow long-standing protocols requiring notification and coordination with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department before entering the Territory.
The council emphasized that the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department is a fully certified law enforcement agency recognized by New York State and the U.S. federal government, with officers regularly participating in joint investigations and task forces involving drug trafficking, weapons offenses, and human trafficking cases.
According to the statement, the recent operation involved multiple federal agencies conducting raids within the federally recognized boundaries of the reservation without adequate notice to the Tribal Chief of Police. The council also raised concerns over the reported use of flash bang grenades in homes where children were present.
“Partners against criminal actors”
Tribal leaders said the presence of Tribal Police during outside law enforcement operations is essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring community safety. They warned that failing to coordinate with local authorities risks damaging relationships built over decades between Tribal, federal, and state law enforcement agencies.
The statement referenced a June 4, 2025, meeting hosted in Akwesasne with representatives from agencies including the FBI, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. During that meeting, federal agencies reportedly received written directives outlining procedures for notifying Tribal authorities before entering the Territory for law enforcement purposes.
The council also pointed to previous comments by First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone III describing the Tribe as “partners against criminal actors” and stating that law enforcement agencies should operate as “one team, one fight.” Tribal leaders argued those comments were contradicted by the May 20 operation.
The Tribal Council stated that the federal government’s failure to follow established protocols has jeopardized years of cooperation and mutual respect between agencies operating in and around Akwesasne.
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