The Yurok Tribal Council in a statement yesterday said members were “aware that at least one Yurok citizen was among the numerous Native American individuals detained” during recent ICE operations outside of Northern California, as part of a response to concerns being raised by tribal citizens about the possibility of being swept up in the agency’s ongoing actions across the nation.
“We hear you, and we are paying close attention to this issue. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our people,” Yurok Tribe Chair Joseph L. James said. “The Yurok Tribe always takes a proactive approach, whether we’re protecting our ceremonial sites, defending our civil rights or safeguarding our river. This is no different.”
There have been numerous reports of Native individuals being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents — and in some cases nearly deported — amid the Trump administration’s massive immigration crackdown that stretches coast to coast.
“My constituents are telling me they are fearful of traveling to big cities because they’re worried about being targeted based on their skin color,” Yurok Tribal Councilmember and Army veteran Phillip Williams said in the statement. “Any one of us could be misidentified and taken to a detention facility.”
The statement, which includes information on what to do if approached by ICE, notes that while “it remains unclear whether they will reach far Northern California, the Tribal Council wants to ensure everyone is as well-informed as possible.”
“I encourage every community member to take the time to understand their civil rights in light of the potential for increased ICE presence in our region,” said Yurok Tribal Council Member Toby Vanlandingham. “It is equally important for ICE to know that Yurok people are U.S. citizens under federal law.”
Find the full statement from the Yurok Tribal Council below:
The Yurok Tribal Council recently received several calls from Yurok citizens who expressed concerns about traveling to major cities due to the possibility of being misidentified as an undocumented person and detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Yurok Tribal Council is aware that at least one Yurok citizen was among the numerous Native American individuals detained by ICE during recent deportation operations conducted outside of Northern California.
“We hear you, and we are paying close attention to this issue. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our people,” said Joseph L. James, the Chairman of the Yurok Tribe.
“The Yurok Tribe always takes a proactive approach, whether we’re protecting our ceremonial sites, defending our civil rights or safeguarding our river. This is no different.”
Additionally, the Tribal Council is alarmed by the news coming out of Midwest and the Navajo Nation, where ICE has detained dozens of Native people and nearly deported at least one Navajo citizen. The exact numbers are unknown because ICE does not include tribal status in its detention data.
“I have a tremendous amount of empathy for Native children and parents and everyone affected by ICE enforcement across the U.S. This is an especially scary time for children,” said Yurok Vice Chair Rose Sylvia. “We are looking into every possible action we can take to keep our people safe.”
The apprehension about being erroneously identified and taken into custody is compounded by the fact that that non‑Native individuals often misidentify Yurok citizens and other Native Americans as Hispanic.
“My constituents are telling me they are fearful of travelling to big cities because they’re worried about being targeted based on their skin color,” said Yurok Tribal Council Member and Army veteran Phillip Williams. “Any one of us could be misidentified and taken to a detention facility.”
Whether traveling outside the area or staying local, Yurok Tribal Council Member Wes Crawford advises Yurok citizens to remain calm if approached by ICE.
“I think they want us to fight back so they can crack down even harder. We do not want to go down that road,” Council Member Crawford said. “As Native people, we are taught at a young age to stay calm and not make any sudden movements around law enforcement. The same applies with ICE. It is extremely frustrating and unjust but this is our reality.”
“I encourage every community member to take the time to understand their civil rights in light of the potential for increased ICE presence in our region,” added Yurok Tribal Council Member Toby Vanlandingham. “It is equally important for ICE to know that Yurok people are U.S. citizens under federal law.”
Bolstered by an unprecedented increase in funding, ICE is expanding rapidly and deploying personnel nationwide. Although it remains unclear whether they will reach far Northern California, the Tribal Council wants to ensure everyone is as well-informed as possible.
The following information about what to do if approached by ICE is adapted from the Native American Rights Fund, the ACLU and other sources.
- Carry your up-to-date tribal identification card with you at all times. If you do not have a tribal ID, please contact the Yurok Enrollment Department at (855) 55-YUROK.
- You have the right to remain silent, even if an officer has a warrant. If you would like to remain silent, say that out loud.
- In some states you are required to provide your name when asked. You do not have to answer other questions even if you are required to provide your name.
- Stay calm and do not resist or obstruct the officers, even if you believe your rights are being violated.
- In most public spaces you have the right to record your interactions with ICE. If it is safe to do so, document your encounter with ICE by recording it with your phone. Make notes of details like officers’ names, time and place, and other relevant information.
- Create a safety plan that includes emergency contacts and directions if you have children that need to be taken care of.
- If you have an encounter with ICE and you believe your rights have been violated, please report it to the Yurok Office of the Tribal Attorney at 855-55-YUROK (855-559-8765) ext. 1360
If ICE comes to your home or private property:
- Stay calm and keep the door closed. It is safer to speak to ICE officers through the door. Opening the door does not give them permission to come inside.
- A warrant of removal/deportation (Form I-205) does not allow officers to enter a home without consent.
- You should verify identity by asking the agent or officer to show you a badge or identification through the window or peephole.
- Ask if they have a warrant and ask if it is signed by a judge. If they say they do and it is, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can inspect it.
- Do not open your door unless ICE shows you a judicial search or arrest warrant naming a person in your residence and/or areas to be searched at your address. If they do not produce a warrant, keep the door closed. State: “I do not consent to your entry.”
- If ICE forces their way in, do not resist or obstruct the agents or officers. Say “I do not consent to your entry or to your search of these premises. I am exercising my right to remain silent. I wish to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.”
- If police, not ICE, have an arrest warrant, they are legally allowed to enter the home of the person on the warrant if they believe that person is inside.
- If you are on probation with a search condition, law enforcement is allowed to enter your home.
If ICE approaches you outside your home:
- Verify the agent’s identity by asking them to show you a badge or identification.
- Ask, “Am I being detained?”
o If they say no, you have the right to leave.
o If they say yes, assert your right to remain silent and request to speak with a lawyer.
- If ICE officers request to search you or your personal belongings (car, phone, bag, etc.) you do not have to consent. Say “I do not consent to a search.”
If you have been arrested or detained:
- You have the right to a lawyer. Ask for a lawyer immediately or ask for a list of free or low-cost alternatives. Don’t say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer. Say, “I wish to remain silent and speak to a lawyer.”
- If you have been arrested by police, you have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer.
- If you have been arrested by ICE, you have the right to a hearing to challenge a deportation order.
For additional information from the Native American Rights Fund, please visit https://narf.org/…/2026/01/know-your-rights-ice-2026.pdf