SAULT STE. MARIE, MI— The chair of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is condemning ICE activities in the country.
In a statement released Wednesday, Austin Lowes said the tribe denounces activities that have created fear, confusion, and anxiety within Indigenous and minority communities. He says the detention of tribal citizens from federally recognized tribal lands is unacceptable, as those citizens are members of sovereign governments.
Lowes is encouraging tribal citizens concerned about potential encounters with ICE to carry their tribal identification card or a copy of their degree of Indian blood, along with a state-issued ID at all times.
He says those who are harassed, stopped, or detained cannot be deported and should ask for an attorney. If someone is detained, they should state they’re a citizen of the Sault Tribe and ICE has no lawful authority to keep them.
“The Sault Tribe stands in solidarity with other tribal nations and with minority communities who have been impacted and targeted by enforcement actions that rely on fear rather than fairness,” Lowes said. “We will continue to assert our inherent tribal sovereignty, protect our citizens, and speak out against actions that violate the human rights and dignity of Indigenous people and minorities who are unjustly targeted.”
