Navajo Leaders Condemn ICE Arrest, Stress Tribal Sovereignty and Rights

Fear and Anxiety Ripple Through Navajo Nation Amid Heightened ICE Activities

The Navajo Nation has found itself at the center of a growing controversy following the arrest of a Navajo citizen by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The incident has sparked a wave of criticism from tribal leaders who demand respect for tribal sovereignty and the rights of their members. In a conversation with KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius, Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley shared insights into the community’s heightened concerns.

Ryan Heinsius: With the increased ICE operations in the state, how are tribal members feeling? Is there a sense of unease among them?

Crystalyne Curley: Absolutely, there’s widespread fear within our tribal communities. This anxiety is shared by many members, both those living on and off the Navajo Nation. We have a significant population of over 420,000 members, with about half residing outside the nation. Consistently, there’s apprehension that ICE might target them, even within their homes.

RH: The detention of a Navajo citizen has been widely publicized. Are there other instances of ICE targeting tribal members that you’re aware of?

CC: Yes, there have been multiple situations where ICE has approached individuals. Some prefer to stay anonymous due to fear of racial profiling or mistreatment during these encounters.

RH: You’ve mentioned “mental distress” among tribal members. What are the broader implications for the tribe and its citizens due to such detentions?

CC: Our history is steeped in surviving trials, such as relocation and assimilation. This questioning of our citizenship revives painful historical trauma, affecting our community’s mental well-being. It’s more than just distress; it’s a reemergence of past traumas.

RH: How are these resurgent feelings and traumas manifesting within the community?

CC: Our younger generation is noticing the anxiety in their parents and relatives, especially those living outside the Navajo Nation. This fear impacts everyday activities, like traveling to border towns or visiting family in urban areas. The hesitancy and fear are palpable, showing how deeply this issue affects us.

RH: What advice are you giving to Navajo citizens to avoid federal immigration actions?

CC: We urge everyone to carry valid identification, preferably state IDs or passports. Some members only possess a Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB), and coordination with Homeland Security is crucial to ensure their rights are respected. We’re firm in opposing any form of harassment or racial profiling against our people. Our identity as the first inhabitants of this land should never be questioned.

RH: Thank you, Speaker Curley, for your time and insights today.

CC: Thank you very much.

ICE did not respond to KNAU’s request for comment on the arrest and detention of Peter Yazzie near Peoria on Jan. 12.