January 11, 2026
The Oneida Business Committee discussed the heightened tensions that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agenda created by their actions in Minnesota. We, as well as many Indigenous Nations and organizations across the United States have been monitoring this issue and the reprehensible actions of ICE agents, especially those that now appear to be targeting indigenous peoples.
The Oneida Nation has already established identification cards for members which meet federal Real ID requirements. Our goal is to have a resource available for members to utilize as identifying that they are a citizen if the Oneida Nation and an address for any official purpose. As we move through these difficult times and review the news and information being presented, we are aware that ICE agents understand and have not accepted tribal identification as a valid document. However, given the Oneida Nation’s work with both federal and state officials over the years to develop identification cards that would meet any official need, we believe that our membership identification cards should be acceptable.
The Oneida Nation does not welcome ICE agents onto our reservation. However, it is not possible to ban them from the reservation – as much as their actions are condemned. We ask tribal members to keep the attached guidance posted on their refrigerators, in their cars, and by their front doors, in addition to always keeping identification cards on your person.
It is important that while we go about our lives, when confronted with ICE agents and the appalling enforcement activities, that we do not increase tensions and manage situations in a calm manner. Should anything arise regarding ICE agents, we have asked Oneida Police Department to assist members in ensuring interaction is lawful and that proper documentation is presented. Our goal is to keep members safe during these escalating troubled times.
If You Encounter ICE Agents
- Remain calm and request identification.
- If ICE agents approach you in public, remain calm and polite, and request identification to verify that the individual stopping you is an enforcement officer with ICE.
- If ICE agents approach you at home, keep the door securely closed and respectfully ask for a warrant signed by a judge. If a valid warrant is not presented, they may not enter your residence without your consent. If they ask to enter without a warrant, or do not produce a warrant, clearly state, “I do not consent to your entry” You can speak through the door, request to have them show you their identification and any documents through the peephole or against a window. Please note that if the door is open, or if you open the door to speak with them, they may seek entry/consent and confront anyone in the residence to give them consent.
- ICE agents generally need your consent to enter your residence without a warrant. They may only enter with a judicial warrant, signed by a judge, which contains information as to the place/person/property to be searched and identify the person or property to be seized, as well as the timeframe in which the search/seizure is authorized to be conducted within. Administrative ICE forms (I-200 Warrant for Arrest of Alien/I205 Warrant of Removal/Deportation) do not generally authorize ICE to enter a home without consent.
“Are you ICE? Please show me your identification through the peephole/window. Do you have a warrant signed by a judge? Please hold it up to the peephole/window. If you do not have a valid warrant, I do not consent to your entry. Please leave your card or information.”
- If requested, present identification once agent is verified to work with ICE. The Oneida Business Committee urges members to always keep identification with them and ensure identification is up to date. We have directed our Enrollment Department to provide new Tribal IDs, Certificates of Enrollment, and Certificates of Indian Blood to tribal members at no cost through an indefinite time which will be noticed. Additionally, two forms of identification are recommended, as ICE agents may not recognize your tribal identification in all instances. Wisconsin (WI) residents may be eligible for a free Wisconsin ID for voting purposes, through the DMV’s voter ID petition process. Otherwise, standard DMV fees may apply. Other states may have similar programs; contact your local DMV or similar state agency for additional information.
- Do not physically resist or flee. If questioned further, clearly state, “I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak with an attorney.” If you are being detained, you have the right to contact an attorney.
- Document the encounter. If possible, record the interaction through video or audio, and make note of important details such as names, times, and any relevant information.
- Report the encounter. Notify Oneida Police Department at 920-869-2239. Oneida Police Officers may assist you in ensuring the proper identification and warrants have been supplied by the ICE agents.
SUMMARY
ICE agents cannot enter your residence without a warrant. They may only enter with a judicial warrant, signed by a judge. Please see Section 1(b) above for more information.
ICE agents can enter public areas of a business but cannot access restricted employee areas without consent or a valid warrant, which must contain all the details listed in Section 1(b) above. Make sure these areas are properly marked with signage to be clear and visible to all who may be in the vicinity.
Additional information regarding your rights can be found on the Native American Rights Fund website at: https://narf.org/ice-resources-2026
