Message from the Chief

Dear Penobscot Citizens,

I am reaching out today to provide information and reassurance regarding recent concerns about the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities affecting Native people across the United States. We know that many of you have heard reports of ICE interactions involving individuals who are, by law and by birthright, citizens of Tribal Nations. News and social media reports indicate that ICE has detained several Native Americans throughout the country and have conducted raids on facilities located on Tribal lands. The Tribal government has verified that some of these reports are true, and some are false. Thus, I want to communicate with you the information that I know currently:

• While President Trump’s immigration efforts initially focused on people who were in the country illegally and committed violent crimes, those efforts have now greatly expanded to any person who cannot prove they are a citizen of the United States;
• President Trump has ended many programs that allowed foreigners to come to this country legally as refugees or to seek asylum. Ending these programs has resulted in many individuals who initially came to the country legally now being here illegally;
• There are many instances of ICE using racial profiling to stop and question people about their citizenship status. There is ongoing litigation challenging this use of racial profiling by ICE;
• Tribal identification showing proof of enrollment is sufficient evidence of U.S. citizenship. However, we are learning that there exists a lack of training of ICE officers about Tribal identification and documentation. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has a Senior Advisor on Tribal Affairs who is also a former Chairman of a Tribal Nation. He is aware of these situations and working to find resolutions for them.

I understand that many of you are concerned and feel angst about the ICE incidents taking place across the country, and please know that we are monitoring the situation and working to verify which incidents are true and which are false. I am not aware of any incidents involving ICE and Penobscot Nation citizens and ICE has not come onto Penobscot lands. Please reach out if you are aware of any incidents involving ICE and Penobscot citizens so that our government officials can get engaged to assist.

The Native American Rights Fund (NARF), a nonprofit organization that provides legal assistance to Tribal Nations, is actively monitoring ICE activities nation-wide for any impacts on Tribal Nations and citizens. NARF has developed the attached two fact sheets about what ICE can and cannot do with respect to individual Native Americans and nonprofits who serve Native Americans.  I encourage you to read these fact sheets and share them.

If you encounter ICE, please remain peaceful. Our government will work to get documentation and proof of citizenship to the appropriate ICE officials. We encourage all Penobscot citizens to carry their Tribal identification when traveling, especially near border regions or transportation hubs. While no one should be required to prove their identity as a Native American, having documentation available may help avoid unnecessary complications.

Our Penobscot Nation has endured many challenges throughout our history, and we continue to stand strong together. The Tribal Council remains committed to protecting the rights, safety, and sovereignty of our people. We will continue to monitor ICE activities and keep you informed.

In unity and respect,

Kirk E. Francis, Sr.

Chief