Community, Gov. Lewis Reassure Members Amid Immigration Enforcement Concerns
SACATON — Following unconfirmed reports of Arizona tribal members being questioned or detained by federal immigration officials, the Gila River Indian Community and Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis have issued guidance to reassure and assist members.
In a statement issued on Jan. 24, Gov. Lewis emphasized that no known cases of Gila River tribal members being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been reported. Nonetheless, concerns sparked by recent rumors have prompted the Community to act.
Gov. Lewis advised members to take precautions while traveling by carrying valid identification, such as a tribal enrollment card, a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB), a valid Arizona driver’s license, or a government-issued ID.
“Please be careful, and if traveling, ensure you have valid forms of identification to avoid any potential issues,” said Lewis.
The Community is taking proactive measures to protect its members and uphold tribal sovereignty. GRIC departments, including the Police Department, are monitoring the situation closely to identify any potential risks or incidents that could affect members. Gov. Lewis noted that the Community is working to establish a direct dialogue with ICE to ensure that tribal membership IDs are recognized as proof of U.S. citizenship and that federal authorities respect the rights of GRIC members.
A flyer distributed alongside the Governor’s statement provides detailed advice on what to do if mistakenly stopped by federal officials. The guidance encourages members to remain calm, carry identification at all times, and report any encounters to the Community’s Office of General Counsel at 520-562-9760. If a member is arrested, they are advised to contact the Office of Defense Services at 520-562-5700 for assistance with legal representation.
The flyer also stresses the importance of documenting the details of any interaction, including the names and badge numbers of officers involved, and informing the Community promptly. Members are reminded of their legal rights, including the right to remain silent and to request an attorney if detained.
Gov. Lewis assured the Community that these measures are precautionary and that there is no evidence of any GRIC members being impacted so far.
“We are doing everything possible to gather accurate information and ensure that the rights of our members are respected,” he said. The Governor urged members to remain calm as the Community continues to monitor developments.
Other Arizona tribal nations have taken similar steps since mid-January. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and SRPMIC President Martin Harvier both released statements on Jan. 24th calling on tribal members to carry state-issued identification, such as a driver’s license, other picture identification, or their Certificate of Indian blood at all times.
The Community is committed to keeping all members informed and safe during this uncertain time. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. For now, members are encouraged to follow the recommended precautions and reach out to Community resources if they encounter any issues.
