Navajo Leaders Raise Alarms Over Immigration Sweeps Targeting Tribal Members

As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amplifies its mission to apprehend undocumented immigrants nationwide, Indigenous communities in urban regions, particularly in the Valley, are voicing increasing alarm over the reported detention of Indigenous individuals.

The surge in ICE activity follows President Donald Trump’s executive order mandating enhanced raids, which has triggered serious concerns among tribal leaders. Reports indicate that Navajo community members are among those detained, raising fears about the safety and welfare of these individuals and their families.

“We now know that Navajo people and enrolled members of other tribes are being detained in Phoenix and other cities by ICE,” emphasized Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley during a recent committee meeting. “We need to coordinate a response to assist our members on the Navajo Nation.”

During the committee meeting, tribal leaders revealed they received numerous alerts from community members in urban areas, detailing encounters with ICE agents, including instances of questioning and detainment. This prompted fierce discussion among members of the Navajo Nation Council.

“These raids have generated significant fear, especially among tribal members in urban areas who face documentation challenges,” stated the Navajo Nation Council in a press release. The exact number of detained individuals remains undisclosed.

State Sen. Theresa Hatathlie participated virtually, sharing concerns based on calls from constituents. One report involved a Navajo citizen held for nine hours, highlighting urgent needs for supportive protocols amidst ongoing ICE actions.

“Even with Certificates of Indian Blood and state-issued IDs, individuals have been questioned by ICE agents who disregard these as valid identification,” the council noted.

Curley urged Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren for immediate action, stating, “Our people are turning to us with urgent needs. We must act promptly to secure their safety.”

According to Nygren, his office has received and is evaluating numerous concerns, asserting that while apprehensions are alarming, no verified cases of detainment have yet emerged from their communities.

“I am relieved to report that not one of our citizens has been detained thus far,” Nygren said. He has been in communication with state officials and plans to keep his constituents informed.

In response to the situation, his office has distributed a guide highlighting the rights of Indigenous individuals if approached by ICE, advising them on appropriate actions and their rights in such encounters.

Nygren expressed concerns about the broader implications of these heightened enforcement actions, especially for tribes situated away from the U.S.-Mexico border, noting that for some communities, this is a new reality.

This situation also provoked strong reactions from council delegates, insisting immediate assistance is necessary. “If someone was picked up right now, they would have to wait,” Delegate Eugenia Charles-Newton stated, emphasizing the systemic fear impacting tribal members’ daily lives.

Navajo Nation Deputy Attorney General Kris Beecher echoed the call for awareness during law enforcement interactions, advocating for the consistent carrying of state and tribal ID cards.

In light of escalating concerns, tribal leaders committed to advancing emergency legislation aimed at supporting those affected and ensuring timely access to identification for Navajo citizens.

“It is unacceptable for our people to be detained due to inadequate recognition of their tribal documents,” Curley affirmed, highlighting the urgency for reforms within the Navajo Nation’s identification systems.

Community advocate Reva Stewart reported a noticeable increase in calls from families worried about the raids. She emphasized the need for Tribal members to carry their enrollment information, particularly those who might lack a state-issued ID.

The sentiment shared by many advocates underscores a broader struggle among Indigenous populations as increased ICE activities spark fear and uncertainty. The recent developments highlight a continuous concern for the rights and safety of Indigenous individuals amidst evolving immigration policy and enforcement measures.