GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has issued an advisory to its tribal members regarding their rights during encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The advisory clarifies that all tribal members are U.S. citizens and outlines the legal protections available to them.
The advisory emphasizes the importance of recognizing the tribal members’ rights in light of recent legal developments that have seen increased federal enforcement activities targeting various communities.
Known as “Kavanaugh stops,” these practices allow federal agents to conduct temporary detentions based on perceived ethnicity and other factors. The Grand Traverse Band, being a federally recognized sovereign nation, has specific provisions that protect its members from unwarranted ICE actions.
Tribal members are explicitly recognized as U.S. citizens under the Indian Citizenship Act, which reinforces their legal standing during interactions with federal agents.
The advisory instructs individuals to state, “I am a citizen of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, a federally recognized sovereign nation and I am a United States citizen” when approached by ICE officers.
Tribal IDs issued by the Grand Traverse Band serve as valid federal identification documents. These IDs are recognized by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for boarding domestic flights and provide tribal members with rights to cross the U.S.-Canada border as defined under the Jay Treaty of 1794. The advisory serves to remind members of these critical legal recognitions.
The advisory outlines essential legal protections for tribal members faced with ICE encounters. At any stop, individuals have the right to remain silent beyond identifying themselves and may request legal counsel.
Furthermore, if a tribal ID is not acknowledged by an ICE officer, individuals are encouraged to request the presence of a supervising officer, as some agents may lack the necessary training regarding the status of tribal documents.
Additionally, the advisory states that ICE agents are not permitted to enter private homes or workplaces without a judicial warrant. This legal safeguard protects individuals from potential unwarranted intrusions.
Tribal members are urged to always carry their GTB Tribal ID and to report any interactions with ICE to the Grand Traverse Band authorities. For further assistance or to renew their tribal member identification, individuals are directed to contact the GTB Tribal Membership Office.