The reported detention of Peter Yazzie by ICE agents in the Phoenix area is deeply troubling and raises serious concerns about the treatment of Native Americans and U.S. citizens during federal enforcement operations.
Mr. Yazzie informed ICE agents that he is a U.S. citizen and a citizen of the Navajo Nation and directed them to official documents verifying his identity, including his Certificate of Indian Blood and birth certificate. Despite this, he was aggressively detained and removed from the scene. This should never happen—especially to a Native American on his way to work.
Our Diné people should not have to live in fear of being stopped, questioned, or detained simply because of who they are or how they look. Native Americans are not immigrants in our own homelands. We are citizens of the United States and citizens of our sovereign tribal nations, and our rights must be respected.
I am calling for clarity and accountability from ICE regarding this incident and the scope of its operations in Arizona communities with significant Native populations. Federal agencies must ensure their agents are properly trained to recognize tribal identification and to respect the civil and constitutional rights of Native people.
Navajo Nation Washington Office staff are reaching out to Mr. Yazzie on my behalf and are actively communicating with the Department of Homeland Security and the Arizona Congressional Delegation regarding this matter.
Unfortunately, the Office of Vital Records cannot issue tribal IDs at the moment as the office remains underfunded due to the 638 contract having not been approved – that must change. I am urging the Navajo Nation Council to fully fund this office without delay. I will sign the legislation the same day it reaches my desk so we can immediately begin issuing tribal identification cards to better protect our citizens.
In addition, I would be happy to host tribal ID drives in Phoenix, Albuquerque, Denver, and other locations to ensure our citizens have access to tribal identification and essential documentation, especially for those living off the Navajo Nation.
The Navajo Nation will continue to monitor this situation closely and advocate for the protection of our citizens. We stand with Mr. Yazzie and with all Diné people who deserve to live and work without fear of unlawful detention.
I encourage our Diné people to take care of yourselves, stay informed, and look out for your families and one another.
Anyone who experiences or witnesses similar activity is encouraged to report it to Operation Rainbow Bridge’s hotline at 855-435-7672 or visit operationrainbowbridge.com.
