The Navajo Nation has mobilized to protect its community following reports of Indigenous Americans being swept up in federal immigration raids. Amid rising tensions, President Buu Nygren has urged Navajo individuals to carry state-issued identification, such as a driver's license or a Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB), to avoid improper detainment. The raids, which started last week, have reportedly affected at least 15 Indigenous people in Arizona and New Mexico, who were questioned or detained by federal law enforcement.
Concerns have escalated as the Trump administration's immigration actions continue to stir anxiety among Indigenous groups. The Navajo Nation has reached out to the US Department of Homeland Security, governors of Arizona and New Mexico, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for clarification and assistance. However, the exact number of Navajo or members of other Indigenous tribal groups affected remains unclear, according to Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley.
“There’s a lot of fear, and I know they’re probably feeling frustrated knowing that they don’t feel safe in the country where they were born or where their ancestors come from, and there’s a lot of frustration of them being stereotyped,” – Crystalyne Curley
“I think there’s a confusion with other races, maybe just because having a brown skin, automatically being profiled or stereotyped to be in a certain group of race,” – Crystalyne Curley
The situation intensified with the confirmation of former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Trump's Secretary of Homeland Security. During her gubernatorial tenure, Noem had a contentious relationship with tribal governments in South Dakota, heightening concerns about her new role. The Flandreau Santee Sioux had lifted its ban on Noem shortly before her confirmation hearing.
In response to these developments, President Buu Nygren emphasized the importance of carrying proper identification.
“Having your state ID is crucial, and if you possess a CIB, it can provide an additional layer of reassurance,” – Buu Nygren
Arizona State Senator Theresa Hatathlie reported that federal agents did not always recognize these documents as valid proof of citizenship. She stressed the need for measures to safeguard their community.
“With the way things are going right now, and these types of situations, we have to put measures in place in order to help our constituents and government entities so that they can be a resource,” – Theresa Hatathlie
One incident reported by CNN involved a tribal member who was detained during a raid in Phoenix but released after presenting tribal identification. Such cases underscore the urgency for clear communication and understanding between federal authorities and Indigenous communities.
Meanwhile, Mark Fox, chairperson of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, expressed optimism regarding Doug Burgum's nomination as Secretary of the Interior, describing it as beneficial for North Dakota tribes.
“A match made in heaven” for North Dakota tribes – Mark Fox