Chuck Darwin<p>The Navajo Nation Office of Vital Records has been inundated with calls from tribal members residing off-reservation, many of whom report being questioned by ICE agents about their identity.</p><p>Arizona state Senator Theresa Hatathlie (Navajo), who represents Arizona’s sixth senate district, highlighted a specific incident where a Navajo citizen was detained for nine hours. She stressed the urgent need for emergency protocols to protect tribal members.</p><p>Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley echoed the urgency, emphasizing the critical role of the Executive Branch in safeguarding tribal members living off-reservation. <br>“Our people are reaching out to us directly, and their needs are urgent,” Speaker Curley said. <br>“We must act swiftly to ensure their safety and well-being. Our constituents are depending on us for solutions.”</p><p>Navajo Nation President Nygren advised Navajo citizens to be prepared when approached by ICE officers, emphasizing the importance of being proactive during these encounters.</p><p>“We are advising Navajo citizens to carry state-issued identification, such as a <a href="https://c.im/tags/driver" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>driver</span></a>’s <a href="https://c.im/tags/license" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>license</span></a> or other picture identification if available. <br>Having your state ID is crucial, and if you possess a <a href="https://c.im/tags/CIB" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CIB</span></a> (Certificate of Indian Blood), it can provide an additional layer of reassurance,” President Nygren said. </p><p>Hatahlie stressed that many tribal members struggle with documentation, which has worsened under the recent ICE sweeps. <br>Despite possessing Certificates of Indian Blood (CIBs) and state-issued IDs, several individuals have been detained or questioned by ICE agents who do not recognize these documents as valid proof of citizenship.<br>“Our office remains dedicated to provide accurate information and to assist any and all Navajo citizens who get caught up in immigration issues,” President Nygren said.“<br>If you do run into issues with federal immigration officials, reach out to our office through Operation Rainbow Bridge.”<br>The "Operation Rainbow Bridge" telephone number is 855-435-7672.<br>The 25th Navajo Nation Council encourages Navajo tribal members impacted by ICE raids to contact the "Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission Office" at 928-871-7436.</p><p><a href="https://nativenewsonline.net/sovereignty/navajo-citizens-facing-identity-challenges-during-ice-deportation-raids" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">nativenewsonline.net/sovereign</span><span class="invisible">ty/navajo-citizens-facing-identity-challenges-during-ice-deportation-raids</span></a></p>