Four illegal aliens arrested after Akwesasne tip

In this Jan. 25, 2016 photo provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a member of the force patrols the St. Lawrence River near Massena, N.Y. The border agents, working with tribal police and a local tipster, were able to catch four illegal aliens. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection via Newswatch Group)

AKWESASNE, N.Y. – Four illegal aliens – two with lengthy criminal records – have been arrested after a member of the Akwesasne community tipped off authorities.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police were called late Monday morning (Jan. 25) after a concerned community member spotted the three men and one woman walking near the border.

Tribal police met up with the foursome they believed were not from Canada or the U.S.

After arrested them, it turns out two of them were from China and the other two were from Chile. Massena border agents, working with the tribal police, also learned the four had somehow avoided the border checkpoint at Hogansburg, N.Y.

The two Chinese illegals – both men ages 52 and 33 – had no prior criminal records in the U.S.

The 67-year-old man from Chile had been deported twice before and had prior convictions in six U.S. states for crimes including grand larceny and possession of stolen property.

The 60-year-old woman from Chile had been deported four times before. She has convictions for reentry to the U.S. of removed aliens and felony convictions for burglary and theft. She’s also wanted in California.

“This is a great example of our integration with state, local and tribal law enforcement partners,” said Wade A. Laughman, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Patrol Agent in Charge. “The quick response of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police kept two felons and two other illegal aliens from successfully entering the United States.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of New York is bringing criminal charges against the four.

The two illegals from Chile could face up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and removal from the United States. The Chinese illegals could face up to six months in prison, a $5,000 fine and removal from the U.S.