Paiute Indian Tribe issues guidance following reports of ICE activity

The Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah released a public statement this week addressing community concerns related to recent re­ports of immigration enforcement activity in southern Utah.

In the statement, dated January 12, the Tribe said it is aware of social media posts and news reports de­scribing Immigration and Customs Enforce­ment activity involving individuals believed to be undocumented im­migrants. Federal im­migration enforcement has increased nation­wide, the statement noted, raising concerns that American Indian and Alaska Native citizens could be im­properly detained.

According to the Tribe, there have been recent reports of ICE agents stopping and detaining individu­als, creating anxiety among tribal members and their families. The Tribe emphasized that it is a priority to ensure the safety of its citizens and to prevent the improper detention of members of federally recognized tribes.

The statement out­lines steps tribal mem­bers and their families can take to protect themselves, including ensuring state and tribal identification is current and carrying proper identification at all times. The Tribe advises individuals to remain calm and po­lite during encounters with law enforcement, to request identifica­tion from ICE agents and to ask for a judicial warrant if agents at­tempt to enter a home.

The guidance also urges individuals not to physically resist or flee during encounters and to keep contact information for family members readily avail­able. If detained or arrested, individuals are advised to remain silent and request to speak with an attor­ney. The Tribe stated it will assist members in securing legal counsel if needed.

The Tribe clarified that the document is not legal advice and encouraged individu­als with questions to contact their Band Chair or an attorney directly.

Contact information for Tribal Council lead­ers representing the Cedar, Indian Peaks, Kanosh, Koosharem and Shivwits bands was included in the release.

The statement was issued by Tribal Chair Laurel Yellowhorse on behalf of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah.