"It's the first time tribal IDs have been widely used as proof of U.S. citizenship and protection against federal law enforcement," said David Wilkins, an expert on Native politics and governance at the University of Richmond."
""I don't think there's anything historically comparable," Wilkins said. "I find it terribly frustrating and disheartening.""
""As the first people of this land, there's no reason why Native Americans should have their citizenship questioned," said Jaqueline De León, a senior staff attorney with the nonprofit Native American Rights Fund and member of Isleta Pueblo."
""our agents are properly trained to determine alienage and removability.""
ICE enforcement activity in Minneapolis prompted Native Americans such as Shane Mantz to carry tribal citizenship cards for identification and protection. Dozens of federally recognized tribes are easing access to tribal IDs by waiving fees, lowering eligibility ages and speeding up issuance. Tribal IDs are being used more widely as proof of U.S. citizenship and as a safeguard against federal immigration enforcement. Some experts describe the surge in tribal ID use as unprecedented and disheartening. Tribal citizens express frustration that Indigenous citizenship and identity are being questioned. DHS states agents are trained to determine alienage and removability under legal standards.
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