Indian reservation focus of human smuggling probe at U.S.

(The Center Square) – An Indian reservation that spans the U.S.-Canada border, including Ontario, Quebec and two upstate New York counties, is the focus of another human smuggling operation.

So far, five are being prosecuted in a case that resulted in the death of a nRomanian family who attempted to illegally enter the U.S. and drowned while crossing the St. Lawrence River.

Five have been charged; three have already pleaded guilty.

One alleged ring leader, Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation (AMIR) tribal member Stephanie Square, was extradited and appeared before a judge in Plattsburg, New York, on Friday.

An alleged co-conspirator, Timothy Oakes, was arrested and remains detained pending trial. Three U.S.-based co-conspirators have already pleaded guilty: Dakota Montour and Kawisiios