RCMP Bust Group Accused of Smuggling Hundreds of Migrants Into US Through Ontario

An RCMP patch is seen on a police uniform in a file photo. The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck

Ontario RCMP have arrested a group they say is behind a human smuggling ring that brought hundreds of migrants into the United States through Ontario.

Police announced on June 6 that they arrested four individuals and warrants have been issued for four other suspects involved in what they described as a “large-scale human smuggling ring.”

Among those charged are 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.

Police say that migrants were allegedly transported into the United States in the Cornwall area, through communities along the St. Lawrence River.

The group was first identified in July 2022, according to the RCMP announcement. Investigators from the Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) started investigating the group, who police say were profiting from moving migrants from Canada into the United States.

It’s alleged that hundreds of people were moved across the border between July 2022 and June 2023.

“Migrants were allegedly charged thousands of dollars by the smugglers. Dangerous night-time crossings even cost some migrants their lives,” RCMP said.

“Many people from all over the world come to North America desperately seeking a better life. Transnational criminal networks are exploiting that desperation to profit from these men, women and families, with no concern for their welfare,” RCMP Insp. Etienne Thauvette said in the release.

“While collaboration with our partners was key in bringing this group to justice, I would also like to remind the public to remain vigilant and inform us immediately if they see suspicious activity on our borders to help authorities put an end to this type of dangerous exploitation.”

Toronto area RCMP launched a public information campaign about migrant smuggling on May 29.

“When migrants and their families pay large sums of money to migrant smugglers for their transportation services, they are contributing to the lucrative business of illegal migration and organized crime networks that smugglers are involved in,” a police information poster said.

They said anyone found guilty could face life in jail.

“It is important to explain to the families in Canada what risks are involved in helping a family member enter the country when they use these illegal groups or “coyotes,” the RCMP said. “Our aim is to disrupt illegal Maritime human smuggling and in turn, prevent loss of life. We are asking our community to be vigilant and to call the police and report these crimes. Migrants are urged to migrate legally.”