Grand Council Treaty #3 is advising members who live in or are passing through the United States to take precautions when they cross the border or visit the U.S. after reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are targeting First Nations citizens.
“Recent reports indicate that some First Nation citizens have experienced increased scrutiny, questioning or enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” the grand council said Tuesday in a press release.
“Individuals are reminded of the importance of carrying valid identification, including a status card and or a Canadian passport, as proper documentation may help reduce the risk of unnecessary delays or detention.”
Reports from several Indigenous communities indicate a rise in troubling encounters between First Nations and Native American citizens and ICE officers in recent weeks. Tribal leaders in the Southwest say multiple Navajo citizens have been wrongfully detained or questioned during immigration sweeps, describing the experiences as negative, intrusive and in some cases traumatizing.
Other nations have raised similar concerns, noting that legally recognized Indigenous travellers are being misidentified as undocumented migrants and subjected to profiling.
The grand council noted that the Treaty #3 Anishinaabe Nation holds inherent and treaty-protected rights supporting cross-border mobility, rooted in longstanding treaty relationships that predate the international border. “Grand Council Treaty #3 continues to affirm that these rights must be respected.”
Members travelling to the U.S. were encouraged to make sure they carry their identification and that it is up to date.
“Those requiring a new, renewed or replacement status card are advised to contact their home First Nation membership office or their regional tribal council in advance for guidance and application support,” the grand council said. “These offices may assist with applications and liaise with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) where appropriate. Individuals may also contact ISC directly regarding Status Card applications, renewals, replacements, or urgent processing related to travel or safety concerns.”
Regional tribal councils within Treaty #3 include Bimose Tribal Council (Kenora), Anishinaabeg of Kabapikotawangag Resource Council (Sioux Narrows), and Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services (Fort Frances).
Those requiring assistance with applications, renewals, replacements or urgent processing related to travel may contact Indigenous Services Canada’s Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) Program at 1-800-567-9604 or visit www.canada.ca/indigenous-services-canada.
Regional ISC offices may also assist with prioritizing urgent cases related to cross-border travel, employment, or safety concerns.
“In extreme circumstances, Canadian citizens may contact the Canadian Consulate for assistance while in the United States,” the release stated. “Although consular officials cannot intervene in legal matters, they can offer guidance, help connect individuals with resources, and support communication with family or Canadian authorities.”
