Drowning of eight migrants in 2023 | Akwesasne smuggler to remain detained during extradition process

A woman accused of running a migrant smuggling ring on the Akwesasne reservation will remain detained during the U.S. extradition process. According to the judge, indigenous traditions are not enough to guarantee his presence in court.

The affair caused a shock wave in Canada and the United States in March 2023: eight migrants and the boat pilot died of drowning while crossing the border by boat between the two countries. Among the victims were a Romanian family with their two babies and a family from India.

Stephanie Squire, 51, faces serious criminal charges in New York State for her key role in the drowning deaths of several migrants. He is accused of having been a leader of a network of smugglers who transported migrants through the Mohawk territory of Akwesasne, which straddles Quebec, Ontario and the United States.

She faces a minimum sentence of five years in New York State.

Privilege refused by the judge

The extradition process can drag on for months or even years. Thus, Stephanie Squire hoped to be released, under severe conditions, during this period. However, Judge Daniel Royer of the Superior Court of Quebec refused him this privilege Friday afternoon at the Montreal courthouse.

Rarely, the judge retained the three criteria contained in the law to refuse his release: risk of flight, protection of the public and loss of public confidence in the judicial system.

Stephanie Squire was caught smuggling another person into the country barely six months after the tragedy of March 2023, in contravention of a court order, recalls Judge Royer.

« M^me Squire demonstrated his repeated disregard for the Court’s orders. She frequently broke her release and probation conditions. His behavior continued until his arrest in August 2024,” the judge argued.

A “vague” plan

In hopes of being released, Stephanie Squire offered to wear a GPS bracelet and report to the police every day. She explained that she had strong cultural and family ties to the Akwesasne reserve, where she has lived all her life, and where her entire family resides.

This “vague” plan, however, did not convince Judge Royer. “The GPS couldn’t stop him from escaping. At best, this would inform the authorities that his GPS is no longer in the authorized area. […] She would be one boat away from escaping,” the judge concluded.

The judge also emphasizes that “indigenous laws, traditions and customs do not offer the necessary guarantees that she will be present in Court”.

Also, the release of Stephanie Squire would undermine public confidence in the justice system. Indeed, the alleged crimes demonstrate his “blatant disregard” for human life. The tragedy of March 2023 did not even dissuade her from continuing her criminal activities, recalls the judge.

The case will return to court next December.