Resources: “Know Your Rights: Tribal Citizens, Law Enforcement Encounters, and Practical Steps to Stay Safe”

On January 28, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) hosted a webinar, “Know Your Rights: Tribal Citizens, Law Enforcement Encounters, and Practical Steps to Stay Safe” focused on ensuring Tribal citizens know their rights when approached by immigration agents. NARF shared two resources for Tribal communities: “Know Your Rights if You Are Approached by ICE”, and a “Fact Sheet for Native-Serving Nonprofits”, both available here. The webinar and materials affirm that Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians are citizens of the United States. Speakers provided guidance on how to respond in various settings, outlined rights during these encounters, and discussed the role of Tribal Nations during a period of escalated immigration enforcement, uncertainty, and crisis.   

NLIHC is grateful for the countless, ongoing efforts of our Tribal partners who are working diligently to ensure that clear, practical information for Tribal citizens about ICE encounters is widely available. NLIHC President and CEO Renee M. Willis recently expressed some of this appreciation during the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC)’s 2026 Legislative Summit & Awards Reception. NLIHC was honored to receive the 2026 Outstanding Partner Organization Award, in recognition of a longstanding partnership with NAIHC and consistent actions to elevate Tribal housing as an essential piece of the national affordable housing agenda. 

A recording of the “Know Your Rights: Tribal Citizens, Law Enforcement Encounters, and Practical Steps to Stay Safe” webinar is available here.  

Access NARF’s Know Your Rights materials here.