Social media reports of Navajo citizens being detained by ICE prompted Navajo leaders to explore ways to protect their people.
Navajo Nation officials have contacted the governors of Arizona and New Mexico to address concerns about Navajo citizens being detained by ICE.
In response to President Donald Trump's executive order targeting the deportation of immigrants in the country illegally, Acting Navajo Nation Deputy Attorney General Kris Beecher recommended that tribal members carry their Certificate of Indian Blood along with other forms of identification.
Social media has been flooded with posts about Navajo citizens being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and questioned about their U.S. citizenship.
The unverified reports of people being detained and what leaders were doing to keep their citizens safe were discussed at a Navajo Nation committee meeting on Thursday. Beecher said Navajo Nation executive officials had contacted New Mexico and Arizona governors' offices with concerns.
"The biggest takeaway from that meeting ... was really encouraging the safety of Navajos," Beecher said. He encouraged leaders, when talking with their constituents, to urge them to carry IDs "whether they're state, federal, passport, if they have a tribal ID ... and I think that would include Certificate of Indian Blood."
State Sen. Theresa Hatathlie informed the council about a Navajo citizen who was detained for nine hours, underscoring the urgent need for emergency protocols. She emphasized that many tribal members face challenges with documentation. She said despite having Certificates of Indian Blood and state-issued IDs, several individuals have been detained or questioned by ICE agents who fail to recognize these documents as valid proof of citizenship, according to the Navajo Nation Council's news release.
"I agree with having your CIB on your phone. That's not a bad idea. These are good things to have with you," he said.
On Monday, Trump signed 10 sweeping executive actions related to border security and immigration enforcement.
Tribal Council delegates said they have been contacted by Navajo citizens in Phoenix stating they were detained by ICE. Beecher said tribal officials were working to verify those claims and address them.
The Navajo Nation's Washington office has contacted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to determine best practices for Navajo citizens and other tribal members to ensure they have proper identification. In addition, the Navajo Department of Justice has reached out to tribes in the southern part of the state, consulting with their governments and attorneys general, who so far have reported no noticeable increase in interactions or enforcement actions involving ICE.
"We as the Navajo Nation and the leaders have to be respectful and positive with interactions with any law enforcement. We encourage your constituents to carry the IDs necessary," Beecher told the leaders. "We need to stay safe with our interaction with law enforcement outside of the Navajo Nation."
CONCERNS FOR UNSHELTERED TRIBAL MEMBERS IN URBAN AREAS
Navajo Nation Speaker Crystalyne Curley said even if the tribe's executive office did not have names or records of people who were detained, officials didn't have to wait until someone was detained to react.
"Even if we don't have verified numbers but we do have these families who are fearful already ... I am not going to rely on the Office of the President and Vice President to say, 'No, we are going to wait for a verified case before we intervene,'" Curley said. "I think there needs to be a protocol or system put into place before we even get that verified information."
She emphasized the importance of leaders taking the initiative and making sound judgments for the well-being of the people. She highlighted the need for a structured system, noting that other tribes already had implemented frameworks with extended hours to provide support for those in need.
"This isn't our first time going through something like this, but we should be there to provide additional resources," Curley said. "I'm worried about our unsheltered relatives that are in the metropolitan areas. They may be on the streets with no identifications."
Beecher gave recommendations on what the Navajo Nation could do to help its citizens:
• Set up a dedicated phone number, website, and email address that individuals or their relatives could use to seek assistance or request help for those who have been detained.
• Address challenges with the Navajo tribal identification card and explore the possibility of rolling it out to urban areas, such as Phoenix, Tucson and other cities, to better serve Navajos living in metropolitan areas.
• Establish a dedicated hotline for law enforcement, providing direct access to the Navajo Office of Vital Records & Identification to verify an individual’s identity.
FEW NAVAJO NATION TRIBAL ID CARDS HAVE BEEN ISSUED
The Navajo identification card was launched under the leadership of the late former Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly, who collaborated with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Of the approximately 400,000 enrolled Navajo members, only 8,000 tribal identification cards have been issued since their introduction in 2012.
"How come not all departments, outside entities are recognizing our IDs?" said Ron Duncan, program manager at the Navajo Office of Vital Records and Identification. "It's because they're scarce, they've never really seen it. Partly, because we are lacking in capacity."
Those who don't have a tribal ID should be prioritized now, Duncan said.
In a statement from Navajo President Buu Nygren on Wednesday night, he said his office had fielded concerns and unconfirmed reports that urban Diné relatives were being questioned and detained by immigration officials.
"My office is looking into this matter and will provide updates as they come," Nygren said.
For their safety, he urged Navajo tribal members to be aware of their surroundings and carry valid forms of identification, such as a Certificate of Indian Birth or state-issued driver’s license.
"I am working actively with our state leaders and law enforcement to protect our Diné people," Nygren said.
Curley emphasized the immediate need for the executive branch to issue protocols for tribal members living off the reservation.
“Our people are reaching out to us directly, and their needs are urgent,” Curley said. “We must act swiftly to ensure their safety and well-being. Our constituents are depending on us for solutions.”
TIP LINE
On Friday, Nygren said that although his office has only received a few unconfirmed reports, staff have followed up on those leads and are designating the “Operation Rainbow Bridge” tip line to field calls on this issue.
"My administration has been working with other tribal leaders in the Southwest near the border who are more familiar with this issue," said Nygren. "My office has also been in contact with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, state and federal Senate and House representatives, and the office of the governors for Arizona and New Mexico."
He reiterated that Navajos should 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, it can provide an additional layer of reassurance," Nygren said. "If you do run into issues with federal immigration officials, reach out to our office through Operation Rainbow Bridge."
"We encourage individuals to remain calm and assured that our collaborative efforts with local, state, and federal law enforcement are ongoing to ensure community safety," he said.
The Washington Redskins are playing at the Arizona Cardinals today and the “change the name” crows are not impressed that the President of the Navajo Nation Ben Shelly is sitting in Dan Snyder’s box wearing a Redskins ball cap.
Redskins owner Dan Snyder sitting w/ the President of the Navajo nation at today's #Redskins game in Arizona:
Grievance mongers angry to see Navajo president in Redskins cap [pic]
Grievance mongers angry to see Navajo president in Redskins cap [pic]
Dan Snyder is sitting with the president of the Navajo Nation. What a joke.
— Fetty LaBelle ♡ (@cupcakesbytheLB) October 12, 2014
The Washington Redskins are playing at the Arizona Cardinals today and the “change the name” crows are not impressed that the President of the Navajo Nation Ben Shelly is sitting in Dan Snyder’s box wearing a Redskins ball cap.
ARIZONA – As of yesterday the Navajo Nation Land Buy-Back Program has received its final approval from Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly.
The U.S Department of Interior and the Navajo Nations will work together to implement the land consolidation provisions of the Cobell settlement. This allows individuals to sell their land back to the Navajo Nation, which will put the land back in the trust of…
Shelly talks poverty and economics on Rez with Pelosi
NEW MEXICO – Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly told U.S. House of Representatives minority leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and other congressional members March 20 that poverty is commonplace on the Navajo Reservation.
Shelly met with Pelosi at Buffalo Thunder Casino and shared issues from the Navajo Nation. He focused on energy development and stimulating the tribal economy.
Navajo Nation Eyes Immigration Program To Boost Economy
Navajo Nation Eyes Immigration Program To Boost Economy
NEW MEXICO – Navajo Nation officials hope to lure foreign investments by using a carrot provided by a federal immigration program.
The Daily Times in Farmington, New Mexico, reports that an immigrant investor program known as EB-5 offers legal residency to foreign investors who start a new business or rescue an existing one in the United States, including on tribal lands.
NEW MEXICO – Navajo Nation officials declared a state of emergency after snowstorms, rain and high winds impacted chapters across the reservation.
The tribe’s Commission on Emergency Management approved a resolution Thursday because the recent severe weather has resulted in flooding, power outages and muddy conditions, and is impacting residents living in isolated and remote areas.
Navajo Nation President Shelly advocates for trust modernization
Navajo Nation President Shelly advocates for trust modernization
D.C. – In meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly said the purpose of trust reform should be to empower tribes so they can manage their own trust assets.
Shelly made the remarks about Indian trust modernization legislation in a special meeting with lawmakers Feb. 25.
“We are advocating for trust ‘modernization’ instead of trust ‘reform’ because we want to do…
