hey if you’re indigenous, please keep an eye out still for ICE as they seem to be harassing the natives here in new mexico as well
[ id: a screenshot from reddit containing a letter. the second image is that letter in full. it has a header that reads ‘mescalero apache tribe’. underneath in small text is a mailing address. beneath that is a smaller header in all caps and bold reading ‘statement by president thora walsh-padilla on immigration incident involving tribal member’. it is dated January 23, 2025 and lists the location as Mescalero, NM. beneath this is the full letter. it transcribes as follows:
‘Last night and throughout the day today, I received multiple calls from concerned Meacalero Apache Tribal Members in relation to rumors of incidents involving Tribal Members and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E) agents.
As of 3:45 PM this afternoon, the Tribe only (had) a single incident where an ICE agent questioned a Tribal Member in a public place in Ruidoso. This incident occurred yesterday. ICE agents began questioning a family standing in line in front of a Tribal Member. The family was escorted outside. Then, an ICE agent still inside the public place approached the Tribal Member in spanish. The Tribal Member responded by stating the Tribal Member spoke english. The ICE agent asked the Tribal Member for a passport. The Tribal Member presented a picture of a New Mexico Drivers license and a Tribal identification card. The ICE agent did not continue questions at this point and exited.
While this is the only incident we have been able to verify, Tribal Leadership is actively working with the New Mexico congressional delegation to ensure the rights of Tribal Members are protected.
To be safe, be aware of your surroundings, let family members know where you are, and keep identification on you at all times. If possible, then carey around multiple forms of identification (driver’s license, state-issued identification card, Tribal identification card, Certificate of Indian Blood, etc.)
The letter is signed with a cursive signature, then in print it reads ‘Thora Walsh-Padilla President’
end id]
also the way its stated here made it seem like it may have been somewhat of an accident( or a purposeful one trying to get away with detaining a tribal member by confusing them) but we cannot act like the moment they get the chance they won’t try and detain and likely kill indigenous people as well. keep your guard up
amhrancas 