Tribal nations across the U.S. are advising their members to carry identification at all times following reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have questioned or detained Indigenous individuals during raids, as the Trump administration continues to crack down on immigration across the country.
Officials from the Navajo Nation told CNN on Monday that at least 15 Indigenous people in the southwest U.S. have reported being questioned or detained by immigration officers, sparking widespread concern and fears of mistaken identity and unlawful detentions.
The Mescalero Apache Tribe in New Mexico also announced through a statement that a member was confronted by ICE agents last week and was asked for ID — first in Spanish, although the member spoke English.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren confirmed in a statement that his office has received multiple reports of "negative, and sometimes traumatizing, experiences with federal agents targeting undocumented immigrants." Nygren went on to say that:
"It's best to be prepared, and we are advising Navajo citizensto carry state-issued identification, such as a driver's license or other picture identification if available. Having your state ID is crucial, and if you possess a CIB (Certificate of Indian Blood), it can provide an additional layer of reassurance"
However, not even Certificates of Indian Blood (CIBs) or state-issued IDs seem to be deterring agents. "Despite possessing Certificates of Indian Blood (CIBs) and state-issued IDs, several individuals have been detained or questioned by ICE agents who do not recognize these documents as valid proof of citizenship," said Crystalyne Curley, speaker of the Navajo Nation Council in a statement reported by Axios.
In response to the rising tensions, Navajo officials have taken further steps. Operation Rainbow Bridge, a nonprofit initiative which assists displaced Navajo citizens, launched an Immigration Crisis Initiative to assist affected individuals and provide resources for identifying and verifying tribal documentation.
The initiative has a hotline for people to call so Diné, which means "The People" and is how Navajo people refer to themselves, and other Indigenous citizens who are being questioned or detained can call for immediate assistance.
The issue resonates deeply with many tribal members, particularly elders, who face difficulties obtaining standard identification due to being born at home in rural areas. Navajo Nation Councilwoman Eugenia Charles-Newton highlighted the emotional toll during a recent Facebook video, stating that "there's a lot of fear and frustration among our people who don't feel safe in their own land."
928-257-0476 928-257-0476 928-257-0476 928-257-0476 I don’t need a confirmed case to offer help. Call if you run into Immigration Customs Enforcement...
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