ICE in Maine

There has been a lot of information circulating about immigration and what rights people have if approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Native Americans who were born in the United States are United States citizens. ICE does not have the authority to arrest tribal members who are US citizens for immigration violations or to deport them. However, there have been reports of some tribal members in Arizona and New Mexico being stopped and questioned by ICE agents. So, some tribal governments and organizations like the Native American Rights Fund have been creating articles and public service announcements to spread awareness about immigration laws. You can learn more about these issues in this story from NPR: Immigration actions have tribes concerned and readying IDs.

Regarding private property, Border Patrol agents cannot enter private land that is more than 25 miles from the international border, unless they have a warrant or are given consent. However, within 25 miles of the border, they are allowed to enter private land without a warrant. They do need a warrant or consent to enter a home or dwelling. You do not have to give consent if you are asked, and you probably shouldn’t. Some reservations in Maine are located within 25 miles of the border with Canada.  

Here are some tips from the Native American Rights Fund for tribal members:

• If ICE questions you, you have the right to remain silent and to refuse consent to any search. 
• If you are concerned about being stopped and questioned, you may want to carry your tribal ID, state ID, driver’s license, certificate of degree of Indian blood, or other forms of identification (such as a U.S. passport) as evidence of your citizenship. 
• If ICE knocks on the door of your home, you do not have to open the door, unless they have a valid warrant signed by a judge.