Key Takeaways:
- Indigenous travelers crossing the border into the United States are being warned to exercise extreme caution amid an increasingly tense political climate.
- Travel advisories have been issued by Indigenous groups across Canada, including the Okanagan Nation Alliance and the Assembly of First Nations.
- The advisories warn of the risk of wrongful detention and harassment by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
- Indigenous people have special border rights under the Jay Treaty, but there are concerns about whether these rights are being upheld.
- The travel advisories recommend that Indigenous travelers carry valid identification, including a Status Card and a valid Passport.
Introduction to the Issue:
Indigenous travelers crossing the border into the United States are being warned to exercise extreme caution amid an increasingly tense political climate. The warning comes amid concerns about the treatment of Indigenous people by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. According to Terry Teegee, the regional chief of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, "The biggest concern is having many of our First Nations from Canada wrongfully detained in the United States." This concern has prompted travel advisories to be issued by Indigenous groups across Canada, including the Okanagan Nation Alliance, which represents eight First Nations communities.
The Reason Behind the Travel Advisories:
The travel advisories have been issued in response to the growing concern about the treatment of Indigenous people by ICE agents. According to Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band, Clarence Louie, "It has to do with ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). It has to do with (U.S. President Donald) Trump’s policies." The advisories warn of the risk of wrongful detention and harassment by ICE agents, and recommend that Indigenous travelers carry valid identification, including a Status Card and a valid Passport. The Assembly of First Nations, a national advocacy organization, has also advised Indigenous travelers to be cautious when crossing the border, and to carry all necessary documentation.
The Jay Treaty and Indigenous Border Rights:
Despite the travel advisories, Indigenous people have special border rights under the Jay Treaty, which was enacted before the creation of the United States. The treaty allows for the free passage of Indigenous people between Canada and the United States, with minimal restrictions. According to Len Saunders, an immigration lawyer with Blaine Immigration, "It’s basically the free passage of what they call American Indians or, in Canada, for First Nations to enter the United States with really no restrictions." However, there are concerns about whether these rights are being upheld, as many ICE agents may not be aware of the existence of the Jay Treaty or its provisions.
The Importance of Travel Advisories:
The travel advisories issued by Indigenous groups are critical in warning Indigenous travelers about the potential risks of crossing the border. According to Chief Louie, "It’s good that the travel advisories are giving our people a heads up. That’s good." The advisories provide important information about the necessary documentation and precautions that Indigenous travelers should take when crossing the border. They also serve as a reminder of the special border rights that Indigenous people have under the Jay Treaty, and the need for ICE agents to respect these rights.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
In conclusion, Indigenous travelers crossing the border into the United States need to exercise extreme caution amid the increasingly tense political climate. The travel advisories issued by Indigenous groups are critical in warning travelers about the potential risks of crossing the border, and providing important information about the necessary documentation and precautions. To ensure safe and respectful treatment, Indigenous travelers should carry valid identification, including a Status Card and a valid Passport. It is also essential for ICE agents to be aware of and respect the special border rights of Indigenous people under the Jay Treaty. By taking these precautions and being aware of their rights, Indigenous travelers can minimize the risk of wrongful detention and harassment, and exercise their right to free passage between Canada and the United States.
