The issue of immigration, more specifically the deportation of folks who are living in the United States illegally, is a defining issue for the Trump Administration, both in rhetoric and policy. So, just a warning… If you’re a Native American, don’t be entirely surprised if you’re harassed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
I know, it’s awful.
Substantial evidence and numerous reports indicate that ICE agents have harassed Native Americans, particularly in the context of increased immigration raids under the Trump administration. This harassment often involves questioning, detaining, or demanding proof of citizenship from Native individuals, despite their status as U.S. citizens.
ICE has not issued public statements directly addressing these specific allegations, but the volume and consistency of reports from tribal leaders, members, and lawmakers suggest a pattern of problematic encounters.
Native Americans, also known as American Indians, First Americans, or Indigenous Americans, are the descendants of the original peoples who inhabited what is now the United States long before European colonization. Archaeological evidence shows that their ancestors settled the Americas tens of thousands of years ago, developing diverse and complex societies across the continent.
So, why are they being harassed?
Native Americans, in skin color and perceived ethnicity, resemble America’s stereotype for an illegal alien, even though 40 percent of non-documented citizens are believed to be visa overstays who came here legally, often by plane. But that’s for another article.
ICE agents have asked Native Americans for documentation proving their citizenship, sometimes in Spanish, and in some cases, have not recognized tribal IDs as valid proof. As a result, tribal leaders are traumatized, as some individuals are being detained for hours and only released after providing additional documentation.
Where is this happening?
Reports have come from various states, including Arizona, New Mexico, South Dakota, and even as far as New York City and Seattle, indicating that the problem is not isolated to a single region.
Congressional delegations and tribal leaders have formally protested to federal authorities, demanding an end to what they describe as unconstitutional and racially motivated harassment. In the meantime, tribes are distributing information on how to handle encounters with ICE, emphasizing the right to remain silent, the importance of requesting warrants, and the need to contact legal counsel if detained.
Advice for Native Americans and anyone who is in the U.S. legally but isn’t White
If you’re an American citizen and questioned by ICE, please keep your composure. While the process is insulting, you won’t improve matters by becoming beligerent. Always carry multiple forms of identification, including tribal IDs (if you’re a Native American) and a state-issued ID, as well as a copy of your birth certificate.
How to get a certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate.
For better or worse, the United States has become increasingly anti-immigrant since the rise of Donald Trump, and ICE is under a lot of pressure to deport as many non-documented citizens as possible, regardless of their criminal or parental status. The process is uncomfortable and can be demeaning, but this is what America voted for.
ICE must gain a thorough understanding of tribal citizenship to ensure that Native Americans are not unjustly profiled. By doing so, they can foster trust within these communities and protect Native American rights and dignity as American citizens – the real American citizens.