Native American tribal leaders are concerned about members getting caught up in the raids, arrests and detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.
Leaders of the Stockbridge-Munsee, Menominee and other tribes are urging members to be aware of ICE raids and to be prepared if they are detained.
“ICE has already detained Native Americans throughout the United States, and we need to be prepared here in Wisconsin,” Stockbridge-Munsee leaders posted on social media. “The Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Council is working diligently to ensure the safety and security of its citizens, especially those tribal members living off reservation.”
Menominee tribal leaders said that while the reservation is not the focus of federal enforcement, the tribe recognizes there are members who live, work and travel in areas where there is ICE activity.
“Being prepared and informed is the best way to respond safely if contacted,” officials posted on social media.
Tribal leaders are putting in place a safety net to assist tribal members who may need help. They are urging members to be proactive.
“Be proactive. Carry your tribal, state and/or federal IDs wherever you go,” the Stockbridge-Munsee post continued. “A birth certificate is another form of documentation that could help. If you are stopped, cooperate and remain respectful.”
Tribal IDs are official documents, but there have been reports these have not always been recognized by ICE, Menominee leaders said.
“Tribal members are encouraged to carry additional identification, such as a state-issued ID, birth certificate or a passport, particularly when traveling through any known areas with reported ICE activity,” they said.
Resources and general guidance are provided by the Native American Rights Fund at https://narf.org/ice-resources-2026 and https://narf.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/know-your-rights-ice-2026.pdf.
At least five Native Americans were detained by ICE in the Minneapolis area earlier this month — four Oglala Lakota men and one Red Lake Ojibwe man.
“The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin strongly oppose the actions and presence of (ICE), including the targeting of community members, the detention and separation of families and the ongoing disregard for human rights,” according to a statement from St. Croix Ojibwe officials who manage a reservation about 80 miles from Minneapolis in northwest Wisconsin.
“The tribe is prepared to confirm your membership or direct descendancy status if necessary,” Stockbridge-Munsee officials said. “We are also prepared to provide documentation if requested.”
Stockbridge-Munsee tribal members who do not have documentation regarding their citizenship can call 715-793-4677 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. At other times, call 715-216-6593.
Menominee tribal members who have encounters with ICE and need assistance confirming tribal citizenship should call the Menominee Tribal Police Department at 715-799-3881 or the Menominee Enrollment Office at 715-799-5121 (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays).
Leaders with the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Council and the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin did not return messages asking them to elaborate on the issues.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
