Navajo Nation Addresses False Reports of ICE Targeting Indigenous Residents

Amid circulating rumors about immigration enforcement activities in northern Arizona, tribal leaders have stepped forward to clarify that indigenous communities are not under scrutiny by immigration authorities. Despite lacking evidence for these claims, leaders are also advising residents on precautionary measures.

The Navajo Nation and the White Mountain Apache tribe have both communicated that no tribal members have been confirmed as detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Local law enforcement supports this, stating that reports of ICE operations in the area are untrue.

In light of these developments, the Navajo government recommends that tribal members keep state identification cards or Certificates of Indian Blood on their person as a precautionary measure.

Michael Lewis, representing the Navajo Nation’s Washington Office, mentioned two cases currently under observation. “We don’t think anyone was taken to an ICE detention facility. We think they were stopped by ICE and questioned. But actually nothing came of it,” he explained.

To assist tribal members, the Navajo Nation has established a tipline, which can be reached by phone at 855-435-7672, through their website operationrainbowbridge.com, or via email at [email protected].

Despite repeated inquiries, ICE has yet to provide a statement to KJZZ News regarding the situation.