The detention of a US citizen belonging to the Navajo Nation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Arizona generated a strong reaction from Indigenous leaders, who denounced the event as an alarming episode regarding the Treatment of Indigenous peoples during immigration operations.

Navajo Nation President Buu Van Nygren called the arrest of Peter Yazzie, a Navajo worker detained in mid-January in the Peoria area while on his way to work, “deeply troubling.”

In a statement, Nygren said the case raises serious questions about respect for the civil rights of US citizens during immigration enforcement operations.

He presented official identification documents

According to the tribal leader, Yazzie presented agents with official documents proving his identity and citizenship, including his Indian Blood Certificate and birth certificate, but he was still subdued and taken to a holding cell. He was later released without charges being filed.

The incident occurred in the early morning hours of January 12, when agents identified as federal forces stopped Yazzie at a gas station near his workplace. According to his testimony, he was restrained and handcuffed before officers searched his belongings and the vehicle he was driving, which belongs to his mother. Yazzie, who works in metalworking, welding, and industrial assembly in the Phoenix area, recounted that he explained to the officers that he was using a relative's car and that they could quickly verify his identity. Even so, he was detained for several hours. After his release, he described the experience as feeling helpless and humiliated.

The Navajo Nation Demands Explanations

Nygren stressed that these types of actions should not occur in communities with a high Indigenous presence and reiterated that Native Americans are US citizens and members of sovereign tribal nations. In that regard, she asked ICE to strengthen the training of its agents to recognize valid tribal identification and avoid racial profiling during operations.

The Navajo Nation reported that its Washington office is already in contact with the Department of Homeland Security and Arizona legislators to request clarification on the case. It also announced that it will continue to monitor similar situations and support Native Americans who report wrongful detentions.

The incident revived long-standing claims from Native organizations warning about the wrongful detention of Native Americans during immigration raids.

Nygren urged members of Native communities to stay informed and report similar incidents through the support channels enabled by the Navajo Nation.