United Indian Nations of Oklahoma (UINO) has issued an advisory urging Tribal citizens across the state to remain vigilant and to carry Tribal identification, along with any state- or federally issued identification they may possess, amid expanded federal immigration enforcement actions. The advisory follows recent White House directives that have led to increased activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and reports of Tribal citizens across the country being questioned or detained about their citizenship status despite being enrolled Tribal members or United States citizens.
In recent weeks, several incidents involving Native individuals have been reported nationwide, including the detention of four enrolled members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in Minnesota, the detention of an Ojibwe/Red Lake Nation descendant in Minnesota and the detention of a member of Arizona’s Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community in Iowa. Indigenous actress Elaine Miles, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, was also questioned by authorities in Washington state.
As immigration enforcement efforts have broadened, concerns have grown within Native communities about the potential for similar encounters in Oklahoma, which is home to a significant Tribal population.
“Thirty-eight federally recognized tribes are headquartered in Oklahoma, and Tribal citizens from hundreds of Native nations call this state home,” said Ben Barnes, Chairperson of United Indian Nations of Oklahoma. “It is deeply concerning that Tribal citizens have been questioned or detained despite their lawful status.”
Barnes emphasized that the recent incidents elsewhere underscore the need for awareness and preparedness among Native people in Oklahoma.
“Given these developments, there is no reason to assume Native people in Oklahoma could not or are not already facing similar encounters,” he said. “We strongly urge all Native people to carry any Tribal, state, or federal identification available to help protect themselves and their families.”
In response to the expanding enforcement actions, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) has released guidance for both minor and adult Tribal citizens outlining how to respond if approached by immigration agents. The guidance covers encounters at home, in workplaces, in public spaces and while traveling.
NARF has also published a fact sheet specifically for Native-serving nonprofits and service providers. The resource is intended to help organizations safeguard their clients and prevent unlawful detentions, as well as protect against violations of Fourth Amendment rights related to unreasonable searches and seizures.
United Indian Nations of Oklahoma plans to formally address the issue during its upcoming quarterly meeting, scheduled for March 10 at River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa. UINO leaders say the meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss developments, share information and consider additional steps to support Tribal citizens.
“United Indian Nations of Oklahoma will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation and will share additional guidance and information as it becomes available,” Barnes said.
Tribal leaders encourage citizens to stay informed, know their rights and remain prepared as federal immigration enforcement policies continue to evolve.
