Navajo Nation leaders have expressed alarm over reports of federal law enforcement questioning and detaining at least 15 Indigenous individuals in Arizona and New Mexico. These individuals, stopped at their homes and workplaces since Wednesday, were reportedly asked to provide proof of citizenship during immigration sweeps, according to Navajo officials.
In response to the reports, the Navajo Nation leadership has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security, the governors of Arizona and New Mexico, and ICE for clarity and resolution. In a statement issued Friday, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren shared the community’s concerns:
“My office has received multiple reports from Navajo citizens who have experienced negative and, at times, traumatizing encounters with federal agents targeting undocumented immigrants in the Southwest,” Nygren said.
Justin Ahasteen, executive director of the Navajo Nation Washington Office, noted that his office has not yet verified any direct ICE actions against Navajo citizens but emphasized the importance of addressing the reports to ensure the safety and rights of Indigenous communities.
