Extradition sought in smuggling case

A Quebec Superior Court judge has ruled that two Ahkwesahsró:non allegedly involved in a human smuggling operation that led to the deaths of nine people in the St. Lawrence River may be extradited to the United States.

Stephanie Square and Rahsontanohstha Delormier, both of Akwesasne, are accused of being involved in an operation where migrants were transported to Cornwall Island before being taken across the river by boat, with drivers eventually transporting them deeper into New York State.

It’s alleged one of those operations went wrong in late March of 2023, when the bodies of eight migrants were found in the river. Those pulled from the water were identified as Florin Iordache, 28, Cristina (Monalisa) Zenaida Iordache, 28, and their children, two-year-old Evelin and one-year-old Elyen. The family was Romanian, and both children were Canadian citizens.

The other family found deceased was the Chaudhari family, who were from India, and were identified as Praveenbhai Chaudhari, 50, Dakshaben Chaudhari, 45, Meet Chaudhari, 20, and Vindhi Chaudhari, 23.

The body of Ahkwesahsró:non Casey Oakes, who was allegedly driving the boat, was found in July of that year.

According to authorities, Square asked Delormier to drive the boat that night, but hired Oakes as an alternative when the original vessel broke down.

The allegations are yet to be heard in court. Others involved in the case have already pled guilty in the States, including Dakota Montour and Kawisiiostha Celecia Sharrow.

The decision from Justice Gregory Moore means that it will be up to federal justice minister Arif Virani whether the two will be extradited.

Joel Girard, Square’s lawyer, said that extradition should be rejected by Virani. She is currently facing eight counts including alien smuggling for profit and alien smuggling causing death.

“The bodies were found in Canada, the boat was found in Canada, the police investigation was mostly done by the Akwesasne Mohawk Police,” Girard said.

“The autopsy was done in Canada, the death certificates are in Canada, the firemen who picked up Delormier on the island were on Canadian water, the screaming in the middle of the river was still a person on Canadian land. So, I do believe that it’s a Canadian court that should prosecute her.”

Delormier, who is facing five counts, is being represented by Antonio Cabral, who, like Girard, is also planning to appeal Moore’s decision.

Both lawyers are planning to send Gladue reports to the justice minister – these are reports that specifically address systemic factors like racism and trauma experienced by Indigenous people which should be uniquely considered throughout the criminal justice process.

While Justice Moore denied a request that Gladue reports be prepared for the Superior Court portion of the process, they can still be raised with the justice minister.

Girard said that the minister has a legal responsibility to consider the reports.

“We talk about detention, rehabilitation, family, and different programs that are offered in Canada but not in the US,” Girard said. “The minister should, or must, take knowledge of these factors before he renders his decision.”

Square and Delormier have 30 days to file for an interim release and appeal, and Girard added that they plan to request a delay so that there is enough time for the minister to read and consider the reports.

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