This week, Native American groups expressed concern that some of US President Donald Trump’s executive orders could challenge tribal sovereignty and indigenous citizenship.
The executive order, signed on January 20, cracked down on illegal immigration to the United States, mobilizing federal law enforcement and the US troops to stop, question and detain undocumented immigrants and achieve “full control” of the southern border.
Navajo spokesman Crystarine Curley told CNN that tribal citizens were caught up in the immigrant sweeps, but she gave no numbers. Navajo citizens reported being questioned during an office raid in Scottsdale, Arizona, but were released after presenting an Indian blood level certificate.
Border Emperor Tom Homan told reporters Thursday that immigration enforcement activities are currently focusing on criminal immigration, but “as squeezes open beyond criminals, you’ll see more arrests.” I made it clear: if you are illegally in the countryside, you are not off the table. ”
In a statement to Newsweek, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the agent could encounter a US citizen during the attack and would request identity verification to confirm the identity.
Tribes across the country are issued by the Indian Affairs Bureau and encouraged to carry tribal ID and Indian blood certificates that document the Indian ancestors of a person within certain federally recognized tribes.
Some natives worry about our citizenship under federal scrutiny
A federal judge in Seattle, Washington blocked Trump’s executive order in January, denying automatic US citizenship to babies born after February 19, 2025. Orders were suspended indefinitely by a federal judge in Maryland this week.
The case was closely monitored by Native Americans as U.S. Department of Justice counsel cited the Civil Rights Act of 1866. This ruled that Native Americans were not borne citizens, as it excluded “untaxed Indians” from their citizenship and excluded the Supreme Court’s 1880 decision. The 1880 decision was centered around a Native American man in Nebraska, and the court ruled that he was loyal to his tribe and not a birthright citizen with the right to vote.
The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States.
Native groups remind the White House of federal obligations, fearing a fundraising freeze
Native American tribal groups have written to the new president about actions that could freeze or mislead tribal funds.
“Our unique political and legal relationship with the United States is rooted in our inherent sovereignty, recognized by the US Constitution, treaties, and carried out by many federal laws and policies,” reads February 2.
The letter calls on the Trump administration to respect tribal countries as political entities, continue direct consultations, ensure changes to the federal workforce do not interfere with services, and maintain a tribal-focused office of federal agencies.
In particular, it warns of treating tribal programs as general diversity or environmental initiatives, and invites government officials and legislatures to discuss these issues further.
Interior Secretary Bulgham takes oath, highlighting his commitment to the tribe
Doug Burgham was sworn in as secretary to the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 31st. He thanked Trump and highlighted his history of working with Native American tribes during his tenure as governor of North Dakota.
“In North Dakota, we share geography with five sovereign tribal countries. Our current partnerships are historically strong because we prioritized tribal engagement through mutual respect, open communication, collaboration and a sincere willingness to listen,” Burgham said. “Interiors reinforce our commitment to improving quality of life, promoting economic opportunities and empowering tribal partners through those principles.”
Bulgham has been supported by several tribal leaders, including Mandan, Hidatsusa, and Mark N. Fox, chairman of Alikara State in North Dakota. Chuck Hoskin Jr., principal of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. Bobby Gonzalez, chairman of the Cado nation in Oklahoma.
Bulgham hit the ground running on Monday with a series of orders moving forward on Trump’s energy agenda.
Secretary Order 3417 directs all departments of the internal department and office and develops a 15-day plan detailing how energy resource development can be speeded up, from initial identification to production, transportation and export. The directive pays special attention to certain areas including federal land, the outer continental shelf, the West Coast, the Northeast and Alaska.
Secretary Order 3418 calls for a 15-day review of public lands that the Biden administration has withdrawn from resource extraction, including national monuments of historical, cultural and spiritual importance to the tribe.
“One of the most at-risk sites are Utah’s Bear Ears and the Magnificent Staircase – Escalante National Monument,” reported this week, saying that Grand Staircase Escalante has a large coal sanctuary and that the Bear’s Ears area has uranium.
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Navajo was nominated for Secretary of Doy Indian Affairs
This week, the American Indian National Congress served as secretary of Indian Affairs’ Interior in support of the appointment of Navajo William “Billy” Kirkland III of the White House. If confirmed, he will lead the Indian Affairs Bureau.
“The NCAI looks forward to working with Kirkland to protect and strengthen government relations and strengthen policy priorities that support tribal states,” said a statement from NCAI President Mark McCallo. “We remain committed to working in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs to maintain tribal sovereignty.”
Native American media say the nomination cited in Congressional records lists the status of “the resignation of Deputy Secretary of Interior (“where”) Brian Todd Newland.”
Previously, his position was called “secretary of Indian Affairs.”
Kirkland’s appointment has been introduced to the Senate Committee on India Affairs.
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Department of Defense: Identity Month ‘rode camaraderie’
This week, the U.S. Department of Defense issued a policy prohibiting the use of official resources or working hours to host cultural heritage celebrations. These include American American Heritage Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Months.
“Our unity and purpose will help meet the division’s combat mission,” the order reads. “Efforts to divide forces — to place one group before another, erode friendship and threaten mission execution.”
Official events are no longer permitted during work hours, but service members may take part in such events informally during personal hours.
“We are proud of the warriors and their history, but we will focus on the nature of their service rather than the constant characteristics,” the new policy states.
Read the command here:
