Extradition Proceedings Advance for Two Accused in Fatal Human Smuggling Case
A Quebec Superior Court judge has ruled that Stephanie Square and Rahsontanohstha Delormier, two individuals accused of involvement in a human smuggling operation linked to the tragic drowning of eight migrants in the St. Lawrence River, should be held in custody while awaiting extradition to the United States. The pair faces serious charges, including conspiring to commit alien smuggling, alien smuggling for profit, and alien smuggling resulting in death. The charges stem from the deaths of a Romanian family of four, who were among eight migrants who perished in March 2023 while attempting to cross into the U.S. from Canada through the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory.
Legal Arguments and the Extradition Process
Lawyers for the two suspects have argued that the alleged crimes did not occur in U.S. jurisdiction because the migrants died in Canadian waters. Antonio Cabral, representing Delormier, emphasized that Canada’s justice system is capable of handling such cases and argued that extradition to the U.S. is unnecessary. However, Justice Gregory Moore ruled that the issue of jurisdiction is a matter for federal Justice Minister Arif Virani to decide. Moore clarified that his role in the extradition process was limited to determining whether the alleged offenses would constitute crimes in Canada, not to conduct a full trial. The judge also denied a request for Gladue reports, which are typically prepared for Indigenous offenders to highlight systemic factors affecting their involvement in the criminal justice system. He stated that such considerations could still be raised with the justice minister.
The Smuggling Operation and Fatal Crossing
The tragic events unfolded on March 29, 2023, when migrants attempted to cross the St. Lawrence River during harsh weather conditions, with winds reaching 45 to 60 kilometers per hour and sub-freezing temperatures. According to extradition documents, Square and Delormier allegedly used the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory and Cornwall Island as staging areas for their smuggling operations. Migrants were transported to Cornwall Island, where Square reportedly arranged for their transportation across the river by boat. The documents also allege that Square exchanged texts with co-conspirators, expressing concerns about the weather conditions on the night of the fatal crossing. A co-operating witness claims Square attempted to recruit him as a boatman but he refused due to the dangerous conditions.
After their initial boat broke down, Square allegedly hired Casey Oakes to transport the Romanian family. Oakes, whose body was later found in July 2023, is believed to have been involved in the ill-fated journey. The victims included Florin Iordache, 28; his wife, Cristina Zenaida Iordache, 28; their two-year-old daughter, Evelin; and one-year-old son, Elyen. The children were Canadian citizens, and the family had been living in the Toronto area. They had paid $15,000 to be smuggled into the U.S. Four other migrants, members of the Chaudhari family from India, also drowned in the tragedy.
The Broader Context of Human Smuggling in Akwesasne
Authorities have highlighted the unique geography of Akwesasne, which spans Quebec, Ontario, and New York state, as a key factor in its appeal to smugglers. The territory’s cross-border location has long made it a hotspot for human smuggling and contraband trafficking. The case underscores the dangers faced by migrants who risk their lives in desperate attempts to cross borders, often at the hands of opportunistic smugglers. The use of Indigenous territories for such activities raises questions about exploitation, jurisdiction, and the vulnerabilities of those seeking a better life.
The Road Ahead for the Accused and the Victims’ Families
While Justice Moore’s ruling moves the extradition process forward, the final decision rests with Justice Minister Arif Virani. Lawyers for Square and Delormier have indicated their intention to appeal the ruling and will present their arguments to the minister. The case has far-reaching implications, not only for the accused but also for the families of the victims, who continue to seek justice for their loved ones. As the legal proceedings unfold, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks migrants face and the need for a compassionate and effective approach to addressing illegal crossings.
