The Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council issued a statement Tuesday reassuring members it is working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to prevent deportations of Indigenous people.
The statement, written by Chairman Melvin Baker, said ICE confirmed the agency is targeting only “undocumented individuals who have committed serious crimes,” not Indigenous citizens.
However, the statement encouraged members to carry tribal ID and at least one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or a passport. Baker also wrote that the Tribal Council is working with state and federal governments to ensure members’ rights and sovereignty are honored.
The statement was issued in response to recent events, including alleged deportations of legal residents and undocumented immigrants with no criminal history.
“We understand the anxiety and unease national events have caused – especially among our youth, elders, and families – and want to assure you that we are actively monitoring the situation and engaging our staff to respond appropriately,” the statement read.
The tribe released similar statements on social media in January, reassuring members that ICE was only targeting undocumented immigrants who posed potential risks to the community.
The statements also encouraged members to carry tribal and state identification, know their loved ones’ contact information, keep tabs on their children’s location and call 911 if ICE showed up at their door.
The tribe did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday.
Baker wrote that if members have any questions about ICE activity on the reservation, they can call Justice and Regulatory Director Leonard Redhorse at 553-0995 or Southern Ute Police Department Chief Michael Barrow at 563-2811.
For ID-related questions, Baker urged members to call Tribal Information Services at 563-2250 or 563-2248.
sedmondson@durangoherald.com
