NEW YORK — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, in coordination with international and law enforcement partners, announced the Jan. 15 return of a 16th century manuscript to the People of Mexico.
The manuscript, which was found to have been stolen from Mexico’s Archivo General de la Nación, was returned during a ceremony attended by Acting Consul General Joaquín Gerardo Pastrana Uranga and Francis J. Russo Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) New York Field Office.
“Today’s repatriation serves as a reminder that no two investigations are the same — and each bears a cultural significance that cannot be ignored,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker. “Every day, HSI New York’s Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities Group works alongside our law enforcement partners and foreign counterparts to confront crimes against history and heritage with relentless motivation and the expertise needed to obtain results. I am proud of the special agents and officers for confronting injustice in whatever form it may take.”
“CBP is extremely proud to have played an important role in returning this valuable national treasure to the people of Mexico," said CBP New York Director of Field Operations Francis J. Russo. “CBP’s cooperation with HSI demonstrates the continuing resolve of law enforcement in the United States to address illegal trafficking in stolen artifacts.”
Acting Consul General, Joaquín Gerardo Pastrana Uranga said: “The restitution of the ‘Proclamation of Huejotzingo’ attests to what may result from the effective collaboration between our nations. Mexico and the United States are inextricably linked through proximity, history, and friendship, but above all, through strong bonds of cooperation that make North America the most dynamic and productive region in the world. We remain committed to working closely with allies like HSI-NY to advance our shared interests and benefit our peoples.”
Marco Palafox Schmid, Director of Legal and Archival Affairs on behalf of Mexico’s Archivo General de la Nación stated: “At the General Archive of the Nation of Mexico, we are convinced that the protection and preservation of Universal Documentary Heritage requires the collaboration and coordination of all governments, peoples, and communities. There is no better example of this than the return of the Proclamation of Huejotzingo that we celebrate today. This significant achievement would not have been possible without the participation of the diplomatic authorities of both countries, Homeland Security Investigations, various Mexican archival authorities, ecclesiastical historical archives, organized civil society, and the chroniclers of the town of Huejotzingo, Puebla. To all these entities and individuals, the General Archive of the Nation extends its heartfelt gratitude.”
The piece being returned, a Mexican manuscript titled, “Luis de Velasco,” is a Proclamation dated June 24, 1554, relating to the administration of the town of Huexotzinco, Mexico.
The document was intercepted by personnel from CBP Trade Intelligence Enforcement Response (TIER) Team assigned to John F. Kennedy International Airport and later turned over to HSI New York’s Cultural Property, Art, and Antiquities Group for further investigation.
An investigation determined the document had been illegally removed from Mexico’s Archivo General de la Nación (General National Archive of the Nation) and ultimately marketed for sale via an international auction house.
HSI New York special agents within the Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities (CPAA) Group work closely with foreign governments to conduct joint investigations to pursue and combat transnational organized crime related to the illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts, by targeting high priority organizations and strengthening international law enforcement partnerships.
Since 2009, HSI has repatriated over 20,000 objects to more than 40 countries worldwide. In addition to its work facilitating repatriations, HSI CPAA continues to execute its mission to investigate leads, work alongside partners, and pursue individuals and networks engaged in the trafficking of cultural property, art, and antiquities.
Members of the public who have information about the illicit distribution of cultural property, as well as the illegal trafficking of artwork, should call the toll-free HSI Tip Line at 1-877-4-HSI-TIP.