Concerns Over Trump’s Executive Orders Impacting Tribal Sovereignty and Native Citizenship

Native American groups are expressing concern over President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders, which they fear could challenge tribal sovereignty and Native citizenship. The orders, signed on Jan. 20, aim to crack down on illegal immigration and mobilize federal law enforcement agencies to achieve “complete control” of the southern border.

One Navajo spokesperson, Crystaline Curley, told CNN that tribal citizens have been caught up in immigration sweeps, with one Navajo citizen being questioned during a raid in Arizona but released after presenting her Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood. Border czar Tom Homan stated that immigration enforcement operations are focusing on criminal migrants, but warned that anyone in the country illegally is not off the table.

In response to these concerns, tribes nationwide are encouraging members to carry tribal identification cards and Certificates of Degree of Indian Blood to avoid any issues during immigration enforcement operations. Additionally, a federal judge recently blocked an executive order that would have denied automatic U.S. citizenship to babies born after a certain date, citing historical cases where Native Americans were not considered birthright citizens.

Native American tribal groups have also reached out to the White House to remind them of their federal obligations and to ensure that tribal funding is not frozen or mislabeled. The Interior Department’s new secretary, Doug Burgum, has emphasized his commitment to working with tribes and has already issued orders advancing Trump’s energy agenda.

Overall, Native American groups are closely monitoring the impact of these executive orders on their communities and are advocating for their rights and sovereignty to be respected by the federal government.