ONEIDA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A social media post from the Oneida Nation Sunday described how tribal members should handle potential ICE encounters.
The Facebook post includes tips for interactions with federal agents.
“It’s kind of like a PSA. A public service announcement to our citizens and our employees,” said Crystal Holtz with the Oneida Nation.
Officials said ICE agents have not been seen on Oneida Nation land as of Monday. Rather, the post is intended to pre-empt any potential sightings and encounters.
“The whole ICE issue has been present, and it’s been present for quite some time. I mean, obviously, when Trump got into office, we needed to know exactly what would happen if, in fact, we were targeted, or there was a Native American member who was targeted, and if approached, what they needed to do,” Holtz explained.
In Minneapolis, four members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe were recently detained by ICE, according to their president.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said ICE will continue to carry out its work across the United States, despite intensifying protests and anti-ICE demonstrations nationwide.
“ICE is doing an incredibly important job that’s not just important to our homeland security, but our national security, and this administration will continue to stand wholeheartedly by the brave men and women of ICE,” Leavitt said.
The Oneida Nation post recommends members carry both their Tribal ID and state ID to verify their identity. Officials also said clarifying that the agent is indeed an ICE agent is important.
“I think that’s just common sense,” Holtz said. “You don’t want someone knocking on your door saying they’re the Green Bay Police Department when it’s in fact, a robber.”
Oneida Nation residents say they are fearful of ICE agents coming to the area, and they have already taken the precautions recommended by tribal officials.
The post says that the Oneida Nation does not welcome ICE agents onto its reservation. However, although the tribe condemns ICE’s actions, they cannot ban agents from entering.
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