Standing Rock and Spirit Lake issue guidance amid ICE concerns

Leaders from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the Spirit Lake Tribe have issued public statements addressing community concerns related to recent activity by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In a Jan. 9 statement, Sitting Bear said his office has received reports of First Nations people being racially targeted, assaulted or detained by ICE and urged tribal members to carry tribal identification or proof of citizenship. He stated that Standing Rock is a sovereign nation and that any ICE presence or activity on tribal lands “is not authorized, not welcome, and will be addressed.”

The Spirit Lake Tribal Council released separate community guidance for members and families, particularly those traveling or living off the reservation. The guidance advises members to carry tribal identification, remain calm during encounters with federal officers and rely on official tribal communications for updates. According to the council, the guidance is informational and does not constitute legal advice.