01/12/2026
Leech Lake Chairman Jackson, Sr. Issues Tribal Service Announcement
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe—As the Chairman of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, I am compelled to issue a Tribal Service Announcement. The number one concern of the RBC Tribal Council, we want each and every Band member to be safe, know your rights, please carry some form of identification, and if you do not have an I.D.—Leech Lake will provide the membership a FREE Tribal I.D. If you are questioned, detained, or arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents, please do not run, do not panic, because you are this Nation’s first citizen and showing a Minnesota Driver’s License and/or Leech Lake Tribal I.D. will identify who you are.
The Leech Lake RBC Tribal Council has opened every channel of communications with the Minnesota Governor’s office and Homeland Security Administration. We all have concerns with the safety our children, family members, and friends. I am holding firm on the position that Homeland Security ICE Agents could have been more effective if they met with community leaders, elected leaders, and sought community support with the illegal immigration crisis facing our country. Presently, seeing our citizens being hurt is wrong, this must stop immediately, until there’s a more humane way to addressing the policies on illegal immigration facing the U.S.
What are your Rights During an ICE Interactions with an Agent: The first step, please contact the RBC Tribal Council Administration at (218) 335-8200 if you are detained, arrested and/or have questions with these rights. If you do not have an I.D., Leech Lake will provide a free I.D.; please be calm and do not run; Native Americans born in Indian Country obtained citizenship, therefore, you can not be arrested for immigrations violations or deport you; You have the right to remain silent; You have the right to refuse consent to any search; You have the right to ask if you are detained or free to leave; You have the right to verify the Agent’s identity; You have the right to refuse entry to your home; and finally, we can be safe by knowing our RIGHTS and you are not an illegal immigrant but this country’s first citizen.
In closing, with the gifts of the creator, I am praying that we take a moment to reflect on the tragedies, people suffering with pain, the anger with this situation, and finding peace with the present crisis facing our communities and the people. Keeping in mind, we are all in this together. As we move forward, we will keep the Leech Lake People informed and new information will be posted on the LLBO page.
