Leaders from various Native American tribes, particularly on the Wind River Reservation, are urging their community members to carry identification amid increasing concerns over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. Following heightened immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration, tribal leaders have taken measures to safeguard their members’ rights and identity.
The Eastern Shoshone Business Council (SBC) and the Northern Arapaho Business Council (NABC) recently issued statements via their official Facebook pages addressing the community's fears and acknowledging rumors pertaining to ICE interactions with tribal citizens elsewhere.
The NABC characterized reports of ICE activity as "deeply troubling" and convened an emergency meeting with tribal officials and representatives from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Police to discuss these issues. "The NABC has the honor and duty to defend all Members of our Tribal community, and we write to assure the Northern Arapaho people of our unwavering commitment to our Tribe’s sovereignty and your safety and security," stated the NABC. Their message emphasizes the tribe's dedication to protecting its members amid growing uncertainty.
Similarly, the SBC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the Fort Bridger Treaty of 1868, stating it would strive to address challenges stemming from the new U.S. administration. "While we don’t agree with many of the newly enacted policies, we will fight for our rights and be prepared to support our tribal members, regardless of where they reside," the SBC's statement read.
It’s significant to note the historical backdrop of Native American citizenship rights; many Native Americans have been U.S. citizens since the Indian Citizenship Act was passed by Congress in 1924. Recent discussions have raised concerns about the Trump administration's attempts to undermine birthright citizenship, including citizenship for Indigenous Americans. A federal judge recently issued a stay blocking the president's executive order on this matter.
While neither council explicitly mentioned any recent ICE raids on the Wind River Reservation, they both encouraged tribal members to carry identification, emphasizing the importance of showing tribal IDs during any interactions with federal authorities. To assist this effort, the enrollment offices of both tribes are waiving fees for obtaining tribal IDs and even offer ways to get these forms of ID for members living out-of-state.
Judith Le Blanc, executive director of the Native Organizers Alliance and citizen of the Caddo Nation, emphasized the importance of citizenship protection and the issues surrounding identification. "The history of being misidentified is long. Our citizenship is so valuable to us, and we want to make sure it is protected," she remarked.
With reports of alarming encounters with ICE surfacing just days after Trump's inauguration, tribal leaders across the country have begun preparing community protocols. This guidance typically instructs members to carry tribal identification at all times and to understand their rights if approached by law enforcement. For example, reports surfaced of ICE officers questioning the citizenship of individuals, including one incident where ICE questioned the citizenship of a Mescalero tribal member even after seeing valid tribal ID.
Tribal leaders across the nation have echoed the need for vigilance, aware of the unique challenges faced by tribal members amid increasing enforcement actions. These measures are not merely precautionary; they serve to bolster confidence within tribal communities who have well-documented histories of racial profiling and misunderstanding by law enforcement. This concern is especially pressing for homeless Native Americans who may lack identification.
Reva Stewart, founder of Turtle Island Woman Warriors, noted the challenges faced by unsheltered Native Americans, emphasizing the importance of awareness and education about identification rights. "A lot of them were really technically scared. They have to watch their backs with all of this going on," she discussed, highlighting how recent events have particularly affected vulnerable populations.
Local governments and advocacy groups have also urged tribal leaders to bolster record-keeping systems to prevent confusion over tribal identification during ICE interactions. The 25th Navajo Nation Council is advocating for clearer recognition of Certificates of Indian Blood to serve as valid proof of citizenship.
Efforts have not been limited to just the Wind River or Navajo reservations; tribes across several states, from Fort Peck to Crow, have advised their members similarly. Crow Nation leaders recently advised their community to always carry some form of ID, acknowledging the potential for misunderstandings, especially between individuals who may not conform to common racial profiles. Said Cody Hogan, a Crow Tribal member, "Just like me. I look like a Mexican and Mexicans talk to me, but I don't know Spanish."
This anecdote sheds light on the potential for misidentification among tribal communities, highlighting the complex intersection of identity and immigration issues.
Monitoring ICE's activities and addressing community concerns remains pivotal as tribal leaders aim to mitigate fears of unjust deportation among their members. Regional social media outbursts and verbal cautionary tales from community leaders paint the dire atmosphere of uncertainty among tribal communities. Nevertheless, the emphasized importance of carrying tribal IDs and knowing legal rights may provide solace to many people.
Nonethless, there persists the trend of misinformation compounding anxiety within Native American communities. Some community members are responding to fear-mongering by emphasizing the need for solidarity and reassurance rather than panic. "I don’t know if there are any illegal aliens here, but as long as you have your tribal ID, you're okay," added Dean Don’t Mix, the Speaker of the House of the Crow Legislative Branch. His emphasis on the importance of identification showcases the proactive steps tribal communities are taking against ICE's enforcement efforts.