Local Indigenous leaders are urging citizens to be extra cautious when travelling into the United States.
Aamjiwnaang Band Council has released a travel notice to Aamjiwnaang members.
"Due to the ongoing actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the detention of First Nations people, Aamjiwnaang Chief and Council are urging members to take extra precautions when travelling to the United States of America," it read. "Members are advised to ensure they have proper, up-to-date identification and to carry any additional documentation that demonstrates citizenship or legal status at all times. Where possible, members are also encouraged to obtain a Canadian passport."
Aamjiwnaang Chief Janelle Nahmabin told Sarnia News Today they are concerned their members could run into ICE, and face possible detainment or worse.
"We would like them to be aware and have proper documentation should they choose to travel into the United States, which many do," Nahmabin said in an e-mail. "They visit family, go to work, attend ceremony and exercise their inherent rights."
Walpole Island First Nation Chief and Council also shared an advisory from the Assembly of First Nations (AFN).
"AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak confirmed that at least one First Nations person was detained and had their status card seized before being returned to Canada," Walpole's notice read. "This has prompted warnings to carry proper identification and documentation, such as a familial lineage letter, status card, long-form birth certificate, and government-issued photo ID."
While AFN's statement published on social media doesn't confirm an individual was detained, it said AFN had "heard reports that some First Nation citizens have been subjected to increased questioning and detainment by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement."
"The AFN strongly condemns these actions and reaffirms First Nations' Inherent and Jay Treaty rights to cross-border mobility," it read.
The Jay Treaty of 1794, signed by the U.S. and Great Britain, included a provision for free passage by First Nations Peoples across what is now the Canada - U.S. border.
