Authorities in Ontario have apprehended a group believed to be responsible for operating a human smuggling operation that transported numerous migrants into the United States through Ontario.
The individuals facing charges include Thesingarasan Rasiah, 51, from Montreal; Joel Portillo, 38, also from Montreal; Justin Rourke, 43, of Saint Regis, Que.; Shawna Etienne, 47, from Kanesatake, Que.; Mary June Benedict, 48, from Akwesasne, Ont.; Cheyenne Lewis, 51, also from Akwesasne; Tionna David, 21, of Saint Regis; and Michael McCormick, 47, from Cornwall.
According to police, migrants were allegedly smuggled into the United States in the Cornwall area, passing through communities along the St. Lawrence River.
The group came under investigation in July 2022, as per the RCMP announcement. The Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) initiated a probe into the group, suspected of profiting from facilitating the movement of migrants from Canada into the United States.
Authorities allege that hundreds of individuals were transported across the border between July 2022 and June 2023.
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“Migrants were reportedly charged significant amounts by the smugglers. Some migrants even lost their lives during dangerous nighttime crossings,” stated the RCMP.
Inspector Etienne Thauvette of the RCMP remarked, “Many individuals from various parts of the world come to North America in search of a better life. Transnational criminal organizations are exploiting this desperation for their own financial gain, disregarding the well-being of these men, women, and families.”
Thauvette added, “While collaboration with our partners was crucial in apprehending this group, I urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities at our borders to help authorities combat this hazardous exploitation.”
The RCMP in the Toronto area initiated a public awareness campaign regarding migrant smuggling on May 29.
“It is crucial to educate families in Canada about the risks associated with utilizing illegal groups or ‘coyotes’ to assist a family member in entering the country,” stated the RCMP. “Our goal is to disrupt illegal maritime human smuggling and, in turn, prevent loss of life. We urge our community to remain vigilant and report these crimes to the police. Migrants are encouraged to pursue legal means of migration.”
