.
ICE Brutally Arresting Native Americans in Minneapolis
 |
| Rachel Dionne-Thunder speaks during Friday's press conference. Screenshot Censored News. |
ICE Brutally Arresting Native Americans in Minneapolis
"The real power is with the people, and with our connection to each other, and to the earth -- and that's what they are scared of." Rachel Dionne-Thunder.
Updated article: Native women targeted by ICE
MINNEAPOLIS -- In a horrifying arrest, ICE punched Jose 'Beto' Roberto Ramirez, Red Lake Chippewa, and dragged him from his vehicle. As Ramirez was complying, ICE hit him, as his aunt was screaming for help.
Shawntia Sosa-Clara told her nephew to let the agents scan his face before an agent hit Ramirez. "Why did you hit him?" The video shows the ICE agent repeatedly punching Ramirez as Sosa-Clara screams.
Minneapolis police officers were present but refused to step in and help. "Police can you help us?" Sosa-Clara begged. "We're citizens!"
When Ramirez’s mother, Raelyn Duffy, a member of the Red Lake Nation, heard her son had been arrested, she immediately brought his documents to the Whipple Federal Building -- but was turned away and unable to reach her son for several hours.
Duffy said agents said her son “wasn’t from here." Sosa-Clara said that while Ramirez was in custody, agents taunted him and threatened his family: “They’re saying, ‘You’re gonna see your family, some of your cousins in here.”
"We're U.S. citizens," she screamed. ICE was following Ramirez before the brutal arrest.
Rachel Dionne-Thunder said today, "ICE just tried to arrest me on Franklin Ave."
 |
| Minneapolis Native Community press conference on Friday, as Native people organize in the Little Earth community, following illegal arrests of Red Lake Ojibwe and Oglala Lakotas by ICE during migrant sweeps in Minneapolis. Photo: Screen capture Censored News. |
Oglala Lakota President Frank Star Comes Out said four Oglala Lakota were arrested this week, as 2,000 ICE and federal agents swarmed Minneapolis.
ICE agents shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, a legal observer and mother of three, on Wednesday in Minneapolis.
Dionne-Thunder, founder of the Indigenous Peoples Movement, shared a video of how ICE attempted to arrest her as she sat in her vehicle near the Powwow Grounds in Little Earth, where many Native Americans live.
"While observing ICE activity, agents approached my vehicle and demanded that I roll my window down. I did not consent. They escalated quickly and began threatening to break my window," she said on social media.
"What stopped that from happening was community."
"People immediately surrounded my vehicle. My husband and others showed up fast, stayed calm, and held the line. Once there were witnesses and numbers, ICE backed off and left."
"This is how quickly things can turn. This is how unsafe it is right now. And this is why no one should be out here alone."
Dionne-Thunder said if you are observing, patrolling, or moving through areas where ICE activity is happening: Go with others; Stay alert; Trust your instincts; Leave if things feel off.
"Your safety matters more than documentation. No video, no proof, no 'showing up' is worth your life. Please be careful out there. Take care of each other," Dionne-Thunder said.
COMMUNITY ALERT, CALL FOR SUPPORT"Powwow Grounds on Franklin Avenue is now being activated as a community headquarters for ICE patrol observation, rapid response coordination, and community support in South Minneapolis.
"This activation is a collaboration between Indigenous Protector Movement (IPM), Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI), and Powwow Grounds, coming together to support our relatives during ongoing ICE activity in our neighborhoods.
"We are mobilizing to ensure our community has a place to gather, organize, rest, and receive support. This space will serve as a staging area for observers, volunteers, and community members responding in real time.
"We are also operating a Signal chat for rapid response coordination, sharing real-time updates, patrol locations, and immediate support needs. If you are able to participate in observation, documentation, or support efforts, this is our primary communication channel." Continue reading:
The Native American Rights Fund issued a statement, "Know Your Rights if Approached by ICE," (shown below.)
"Native Americans are citizens of the United States. Although Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has no jurisdiction over citizens on immigration matters, ICE has targeted Tribal citizens and descendants," Native American Rights Fund said.
Statement of Oglala Lakota President Frank Star Comes Out, Pine Ridge, South Dakota
FROM THE OFFICE OF OST PRESIDENT FRANK STAR COMES OUT
i have been made aware that ICE (Department of Homeland Security) has detained 4 of our tribal members in Minneapolis. Here is what we know at present:
The four men are homeless and were living under the bridge near the Little Earth housing project. A bystander (also an Oglala Sioux Tribal member) was able to get the information out of them that they are members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe but did not get names.
OST attorneys have been instructed to reach out to Minnesota Lt. Governor Flanagan about where they are being detained and what their names are. Tribal Council and OST Executive Officers have also been informed.
The Tribe stands ready to work with her and other officials to provide enrollment documents and otherwise work toward their release.
Further, I am providing the following statement and instructions in case you are ever detained.
Statement to Provide if Approached or Detained by ICE
I am a citizen of the OGLALA LAKOTA NATION, a federally recognized Tribal Nation. Under the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, all Native people born within the territorial limits of the United States are recognized as U.S. citizens by birthright. Because I am both a Tribal citizen and a U.S. citizen, ICE has no lawful authority to detain me.
Any ICE officer who detains or attempts to remove a person they know - or would learn with minimal investigation - to be a U.S. citizen violates that person's constitutional right to liberty and due process. Lyttle v. United States, 867 F. Supp. 2d 1256, 1284 (M.D. Ga. 2012).
Our treaties affirm our inherent sovereignty and nation-to-nation relationship with the United States. Treaty obligations remain the supreme law of the land, and they recognize our status as distinct peoples - not subject to immigration enforcement.
If detained, do not speak without an attorney present.
Oglala Lakota President Frank Star Comes Out's Statement
,
Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Fond du Lac Band Official Update on Recent ICE-Related Events (01/07/26)
Aaniin to our Fond du Lac Band Community,
We want to acknowledge the difficult news coming out of Minneapolis today regarding an ICE‑related shooting. Our thoughts are with all those affected, and we extend our condolences to the families and communities impacted by this incident.
We are also aware of reports on increased ICE activity across the state. Currently, our Chief of Police has confirmed that there is no known ICE presence within the boundaries of our Fond du Lac Reservation community. We will continue to monitor developments closely and share updates if new information becomes available.
We know that many of our Tribal members live, work, and travel throughout Minnesota, including the Minneapolis–St. Paul area where this recent incident occurred. Events like this can create uncertainty no matter where our people are. We want to reassure our community that we are paying close attention to developments across the state and remain committed to the safety and well‑being of our people.
The Department of Homeland Security has stated that Tribal identification cards issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations are valid government‑issued IDs. However, DHS has also acknowledged that recognition of Tribal IDs during ICE encounters can vary depending on an individual agent’s training and awareness. Because of this inconsistency, Tribal Nations across the country are working with DHS to improve guidance and ensure better recognition of Tribal IDs in the field.
Community members may choose to carry identification, including Tribal ID, if they find it helpful, with the understanding that Tribal IDs may not always be immediately recognized by outside agencies. We share this information not to raise concern, but to support awareness and preparedness.
As always, we encourage everyone to stay mindful of their surroundings, check in on relatives and friends who may be affected, and continue to care for one another. Our strength comes from staying connected, informed, and grounded in who we are.
Miigwech for your attention and for supporting one another.
𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲
This joint statement reflects our shared concerns regarding recent federal immigration enforcement actions in the region and affirms our collective commitment to the safety, dignity, and rights of our people.
Please read the full joint statement
January 10, 2026
The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board (LCO TGB) is closely monitoring recent events that took place in Minneapolis, and around the country involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents. We humbly offer our sincere condolences to all those affected by these incidents. The TGB is actively working to ensure our Tribe and Members are as safe as possible and are reviewing policies to implement access restrictions in areas which are non-public, employee only, and restricted to ensure our facilities are entitled to every legal protection possible.
In these unprecedented and uncertain times, it is essential that we remain vigilant and protect one another. We encourage everyone to stand together in solidarity to support each other spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
The safety and well-being of all Tribal Members continue to be our highest priority. We will do everything in our power to protect our members, reservation, government buildings, and enterprises.
To help ensure the safety of our community, the LCO Attorney General's Office, has developed recommended precautions for members who may encounter ICE Agents:
Remain calm and request identification.
If ICE agents approach you in public, remain calm and polite, and request identification to verify that the individual stopping you is an enforcement officer with ICE.
If ICE agents approach you at home, keep the door securely closed and respectfully ask for a warrant signed by a judge. If a valid warrant is not presented, they may not enter your residence without your consent. If they ask to enter without a warrant, or do not produce a warrant, clearly state, “I do not consent to your entry” You can speak through the door, request to have them show you their identification and any documents through the peephole or against a window. Please note that if the door is open, or if you open the door to speak with them, they may seek entry/consent and confront anyone in the residence to give them consent.
ICE agents generally need your consent to enter your residence without a warrant. They may only enter with a judicial warrant, signed by a judge, which contains information as to the place/person/property to be searched and identify the person or property to be seized, as well as the timeframe in which the search/seizure is authorized to be conducted within. Administrative ICE forms (I-200 Warrant for Arrest of Alien/I205 Warrant of Removal/Deportation) do not generally authorize ICE to enter a home without consent.
“Are you ICE? Please show me your identification through the peephole/window. Do you have a warrant signed by a judge? Please hold it up to the peephole/window. If you do not have a valid warrant, I do not consent to your entry. Please leave your card or information.”
If requested, present identification once agent is verified to work with ICE. The TGB urges members to always keep identification with them and ensure identification is up to date. The LCO TGB has directed our Enrollment Department to provide new Tribal IDs, Certificates of Enrollment, and Certificates of Indian Blood to tribal members at no cost through May 31, 2026. Documents can be obtained Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. from the Enrollment Department. Appointments are not required but preferred. Additionally, two forms of identification are recommended, as they may not recognize your tribal identification in all instances. Wisconsin (WI) residents may be eligible for a free Wisconsin ID for voting purposes, through the DMV’s voter ID petition process. Otherwise, standard DMV fees may apply. Other states may have similar programs; contact your local DMV or similar state agency for additional information.
Do not physically resist or flee. If questioned further, clearly state, “I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak with an attorney.” If you are being detained, you have the right to contact an attorney.
Document the encounter. If possible, record the interaction through video or audio, and make note of important details such as names, times, and any relevant information.
Report the encounter. Notify your local American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) or legal support organization about any raids or checkpoints for proper follow-up and assistance at 414-272-4032 or http://www.aclu-wi.org
SUMMARY
ICE agents cannot enter your residence without a warrant. They may only enter with a judicial warrant, signed by a judge. Please see Section 1(b) above for more information.
ICE agents can enter public areas of a business but cannot access restricted employee areas without consent or a valid warrant, which must contain all of the details listed in Section 1(b) above. Make sure these areas are properly marked with signage to be clear and visible to all who may be in the vicinity.
Additional information regarding your rights can be found on the Native American Rights Fund website at: https://narf.org/ice-resources-2026/
For LCO Tribal Membership Identification Documents Contact: LCO Enrollment Department at (715) 634-8934.
To contact the LCO Attorney General, call (715)-558-7412.
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
11 JANUARY 2026
CHEYENNE RIVER SIOUX TRIBE PROTECTIONS OF TRIBAL MEMBERS
In light of the ongoing violence, we have witnessed in Minneapolis and across the country, never forget that we were here first, we are the first nations, and no one should be forced to live in fear. Now is the time to come together in unity. We are committed to ensuring that all Tribal members have Tribal IDs and are protected.
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe is a sovereign Tribal nation. Due to recent wrongful detainment and racial profiling actions occurring throughout the country and to promote the general welfare of its people the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) stands to protect its Tribal members and its sovereign Tribal Nation homelands from any threats; both domestic and foreign. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe condemns the recent actions of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the detainment of 4 Oglala Sioux Tribal members, and of Red Lake Nation descendant Jose Roberto Ramirez in Minneapolis, MN; and condemns any violence caused by their lack of competency of Constitutional Rights and the inherent sovereignty of Tribal Nations.
To ensure proper identification, all Tribal members should verify their Tribal Identification (ID) Card is valid and not expired. All off-reservation Tribal members are advised to obtain a Tribal ID Card if they do not currently possess one. All fees will waived for enrolled Tribal members.
https://www.cheyenneriversioux.com/
If any Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe member is contacted, detained, or questioned by ICE or Border Patrol, please notify the Tribe immediately (605) 964-4155. More information and guidance will be forthcoming.
Press Release Contact: Alli Moran, CRST Intergovernmental Affairs Officer Alli.Moran@CRSTmail.com
Standing Rock Nation
.jpg)
.jpg)
Know Your Rights if You are Approached by ICE
IF YOU ARE APPROACHED BY ICE AT YOUR HOME:Do not open the door unless ICE presents a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge. Most ICE warrants are administrative and do not allow them to enter your home without permission.A valid judicial warrant: 1. Names a person in your residence and/or what specific areas are to be searched at your residence and 2. Is signed by a judge (must be a judge that is not an immigration judge)
An administrative warrant is: signed by an ICE officer
(If you need help determining what is a valid judicial warrant you can review this resource: https://www.nilc.org/resources/know-your-rights-warrants/)
Ask ICE to slide the warrant under the door for you to review. Do not open the door to receive the warrant.
If an ICE agent enters your home without your permission or a valid judicial warrant, do not physically resist as that could subject you to potential criminal charges. But make it clear that you did not provide consent.
If ICE begins to search your home, make it clear that you do not consent to the search.
You do have a right to remain silent or state clearly: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
If you do not remain silent, do not lie to ICE agents as that may impact you in the future.
Record the interaction if it is safe to do so or ask someone else to record it. If you record, do not interfere with the ICE operation.
IF YOU ARE APPROACHED BY ICE AT WORK:ICE can enter the public space of any workplace without any type of warrant.
Public spaces can include an office lobby, a supermarket, retail store, or dining area of a restaurant.
ICE cannot legally enter the private space of a workplace unless they have the permission of your employer or a judicial warrant. Private spaces include employee-only areas.
If approached, do not panic. Stay calm and avoid running or making sudden movements.
Ask if you are free to leave. If yes, calmly walk away. If you are not free to leave, ask if you are being detained. If you are being detained, you do not have to answer any questions. You always have the right to remain silent.
If you are asked about another person’s identification or for information pertaining to another person’s whereabouts, you do not have to answer those questions.
If you are being detained, you must show a form of identification. You can use your non-expired state-issued ID or Tribal ID to show your United States citizenship.
If an ICE agent does not accept your Tribal ID, request to speak with their supervisor. Not all ICE agents are aware that a Tribal ID is a legal form of identification in the United States.
Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney.
If it is safe to do so, record the interaction or ask someone else to record it. Do not interfere with the operation.
IF YOU ARE APPROACHED BY ICE IN PUBLIC:ICE can enter public spaces without any type of warrant.
Public spaces include an office lobby, a supermarket, retail store or dining area of a restaurant.
If approached, do not panic. Stay calm and avoid running or making sudden movements.
Ask if you are free to leave. If yes, calmly walk away. If you are not free to leave, ask if you are being detained. If you are being detained, you do not have to answer any questions. You always have the right to remain silent.
If you are being detained, you must show a form of identification.
You can use your non-expired state-issued ID or Tribal ID to show your United States citizenship.
If an ICE agent does not accept your Tribal ID, request to speak with their supervisor. Not all ICE agents are aware that a Tribal ID is a legal form of identification in the United States.
If it is safe to do so, record the interaction or ask someone else to record it. Do not interfere with the operation.
IF YOU ARE APPROACHED BY ICE AND YOU ARE A MINOR:Minors have the same protections as adults. They have the right to remain silent and not answer questions about:Their immigration status
Where they were born
Their parents’ immigration status
Their address
A simple response like, “I choose to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.” is enough and protected by law.
Minors are not legally required to carry identification unless operating a vehicle. Carrying a copy of your Tribal ID, passport, birth certificate, or legal residency document should be done only if necessary and with safeguards (e.g., in a sealed envelope labeled “Confidential: Legal Documents – Access Only by Guardian”).
If you and/or your parent are detained, you have the right to be near and in-touch with your parent.
IF YOU ARE DETAINED BY ICE, STAY CALM:You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to consult with a lawyer. If you choose to remain silent, clearly state: “I wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer.”
You can tell ICE you have medical issues or need to arrange for childcare.
If ICE agents do not speak your language, you can request an interpreter for any conversation with ICE.
If you are being detained, you must show a form of identification.
If you are a U.S. Citizen, you should say: “I am a U.S. Citizen” and ask why you are being detained.
You can use your non-expired state-issued ID or Tribal ID to show your United States citizenship.
If an ICE agent does not accept your Tribal ID, request to speak with their supervisor. Not all ICE agents are aware that a Tribal ID is a legal form of identification in the United States.
Do not say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without consulting a lawyer.
Once detained, you have the right to make phone calls to family, friends, or a lawyer.
If you are in detention, you can receive visitors including family, friends, and lawyers, depending on specific detention facility rules. You can request a list of free or low-cost legal service providers to seek representation
Native Americans who believe ICE violated their rights, call the Native American Rights Fund at 303-447-8760.
If arrested by police (not ICE), you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer for criminal proceedings.
IF YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE AT RISK FOR A POTENTIAL ICE DETAINMENT:If you believe you may be at risk for an ICE detainment it may be helpful to create a safety plan. A safety plan should include:Identifying your emergency contacts and memorizing their phone numbers.
Providing your child’s school or day care with an emergency contact to pick up your child.
Keeping your important papers, like birth certificates, medical records, children’s medical records, in a safe place and telling a loved one where you put those papers. (It may be helpful to keep a copy/photo of your birth certificate or proof of citizenship with you.)
Wrriten authorization for an emergency contact to make medical and legal decisions for your child.
Information about ICE’s online detainee locator: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search
Sample safety plan:: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a74cf7ef14aa1564b6a098b/t/67afb8e2d2d64e12cb6d09e5/1739569447250/Emergency+Plan_ENGLISH.pdf.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU’RE RELEASED:Write down what happened to you or ask someone to write it down for you. Include details like names and badge numbers of the ICE agents and anything that was said or done during the encounter.
Discuss your encounter with an attorney.
Native Americans who believe ICE violated their rights, call the Native American Rights Fund at 303-447-8760.
Sources: (1) https://www.nilc.org/resources/know-your-rights-what-to-do-if-arrested-detained-immigration/ (2) https://denver.prelive.opencities.com/files/assets/public/v/1/human-rights-amp-community-partnerships/divisions/immigrant-amp-refugee-affairs/documents/doira-docs/c4a_kyr_resource_document_denver_english.pdf (3) https://immigrantjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/KYR-Encounter-ICE-Nov.-2024-English.pdf (4) https://www.rmian.org/know-your-rights
FACT SHEET FOR NATIVE-SERVING NONPROFITS
REGARDING POLICE AND IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT
Native Americans are citizens of the United States. Although Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has no jurisdiction over citizens on immigration matters, ICE has targeted Tribal citizens and descendants.
This fact sheet is designed to help Native-serving nonprofits prepare to protect their clients and prevent unlawful detentions as well as violations of their and their clients’ Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure.
POLICE AND ICE CAN ENTER PUBLIC AREAS WITHOUT PERMISSION, BUT POLICE AND ICE CAN’T ENTER PRIVATE AREAS IN YOUR NONPROFIT WITHOUT A JUDICIAL WARRANT or your permission. Although ICE agents may present an administrative warrant, that is not the same as a judicial warrant and does not permit ICE to enter private areas without permission. A valid judicial warrant is signed by a judge and specifically describes the area ICE is permitted to search.
YOU HAVE THE POWER TO DESIGNATE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE AREAS of your nonprofit or business. Generally, a public area is somewhere where members of the general public may come and go freely. Public spaces are those where people do not have an expectation of privacy, and private places are where people do have an expectation of privacy. This expectation of privacy can be because of how the space is used (e.g., private homes, sleeping quarters, bathrooms, medical examination rooms, or places where sensitive personal information is stored or shared). You can also create private areas through the use of locked doors, opaque window dressings, and clear signage. Signs might include language such as “Private Property,” “Entry by Appointment Only,” “Patients and Staff Only,” or “No Entry Without Authorization.”
YOU CAN AND SHOULD ENFORCE YOUR SIGNS AND PRIVATE SPACES. While setting expectations by marking a space as private is helpful, it may not be sufficient. Consistent behavior and policy should support the designation of the private area. For example, if a nonprofit marks an area as “No Entry Without Authorization,” the nonprofit should enforce that policy against everyone equally. If the posted policy is actually enforced, the area is more likely to be recognized and treated as private than if the policy is not always enforced. Staff behavior should match the posted signage.
POLICIES CAN PROTECT YOUR PRIVATE SPACES by empowering your employees to deny entry to police and ICE agents without a judicial warrant. By setting a policy that specifies who is empowered to allow access to your building and to whom access is allowed, you can establish clear rules that protect everyone’s Fourth Amendment rights. Staff may be instructed that they do not have authority to grant access to a building or private area, allowing them to explain to police or ICE agents, “I can’t give you permission to enter. You must speak with my employer.”
If you are preparing your staff and facility to respond if police or ICE agents seek to enter your buildings, it may be useful to designate a person who is prepared and empowered to engage with police or ICE agents at the minimum level, so that other staff know who to contact.
Staff are not required to answer questions about their coworkers or their clients.
If the police or an ICE agent seek access to a private space, staff members are allowed to ask for that agent’s badge number and to inspect the required judicial warrant, to ensure it is valid.
---
No comments:
Post a Comment