Another false Libs of tic tok rumor shot down
Sen. Daines, tribal leaders debunk deportation rumors; assure community safety
UPDATE on Jan 25, 2025 @ 3:50 pm:
FORT BELKNAP, Mont. – The Fort Belknap Indian Community has issued a public service announcement to address misinformation circulating about deportation plans targeting tribes in Montana.
Jeffrey Stiffarm, President of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, shared a statement to social media saying:
In light of current events it seems that there are reports being circulated that the Trump Administration is targeting tribes located in Montana for deportation.
I have been advised directly by Senator Daines that there is NO such plan in place; the rumors are unfounded and there is no need to panic. Please advise others that this is not the case.
Thank you for your understanding.
A copy of the statement can be viewed below:
Senator Daines also took to social media to clarify the situation. On Saturday, January 25, 2025, he posted a statement on X.com, formerly known as Twitter, saying, "False news reports that Trump admin is targeting MT tribes for deportation are absurd. President Trump is not deporting Native Americans."
The Fort Belknap Indian Community's announcement was also shared with the FBIC Council and the FBIC Chief of Police. The community is working to ensure that accurate information is communicated and that the public remains calm.
At time of writing, Fort Peck Tribal Newsletter has not shared any further updates to social media regarding these rumors. NonStop Local remains committed to accurate reporting and will continue to provide updates from authorities as they are made available.
Original Coverage on Jan 24, 2025 @ 4:43 pm:
FORT PECK, FORT BELKNAP Mont. – Fort Peck and Fort Belknap Tribal members are being urged to carry their tribal identification amid concerns about deportation threats.
In a public service announcement, Fort Peck Tribal Chairman Justin Gray Hawk, Sr. addressed the community's worries. He stated, "With all of the chaos in America over President Trump's Executive Orders and deportation, Fort Peck Tribal Members have reached out to me to express their concern of a threat to 'deport Native Americans along with Mexicans in the hope that nobody can tell the difference.'"
"With that concern in mind, I urge all Fort Peck Tribal Members to carry a current Fort Peck Tribal ID."
Gray Hawk encouraged those who need a Fort Peck Tribal Enrollment ID to visit the Fort Peck Tribes' Enrollment Department at the Fort Peck Tribes Administrative Building during normal business hours. Appointments can also be made by calling 406-768-2311.
Additional information and enrollment forms can be found on fortpecktribes.org under "Enrollment".
A copy of the letter from Tribal Chairman Gray Hawk can be viewed below:
These concerns have arisen after a federal district judge in Seattle temporarily blocked President Trump's executive order that redefined birthright citizenship on Thursday, January 23, declaring the order unconstitutional. A decision on whether to make the block permanent is expected on February 6, 2025.
Questions have been raised about whether Native Americans born in the United States have birthright citizenship if they live on sovereign tribal land. According to Chairman Gray Hawk, these arguments are based on outdated 19th-century legal provisions that precede the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924.This act, passed by Congress, grants citizenship to all Native Americans born in the U.S.
Gray Hawk emphasized the importance of the Indian Citizenship Act, stating, "The Fort Peck Tribes and my Administration are closely monitoring this situation. The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 is an act of Congress and a fundamental right protected by the United States Constitution and cannot be overturned by an executive order."
A second press release regarding the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 can be viewed below:
This announcement aims to reinforce the safety and security of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribal members amidst the ongoing national discussions and concerns surrounding immigration policy.
Meanwhile, the Fort Belknap Indian Community is also advising its members to carry their tribal identification cards. Vice President Judy King assured that the community council is actively monitoring political matters affecting their community. "This measure is taken as a precaution based upon the concern for the safety of our enrolled members," said King.
Tribal members from Fort Belknap can obtain enrollment cards from the FBIC Enrollment Office, open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office can be reached at 406-353-8531 or 406-353-8532 for further assistance. Visit ftbelknap.org for more information.
The statement from Vice President King can be viewed below:
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