Native American actor says she was detained by ICE officers who said tribal ID ‘looked fake’
Elaine Miles, the renowned Native American actor best known for her role in the iconic television series “Northern Exposure,” recently recounted a troubling encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Seattle, Washington. While walking to a bus stop in Redmond, Miles was approached by four masked men, later identified as ICE agents. In a shocking turn of events, she was questioned about her tribal identification card, which she presented as proof of her identity. The agents dismissed her ID as potentially counterfeit, stating that “anyone can make that,” which not only undermined her identity but also raised serious questions about the treatment of Indigenous peoples in the United States.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the racial profiling and discrimination faced by Indigenous individuals, particularly in relation to immigration enforcement. Miles, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon, emphasized the significance of tribal identification as a legitimate form of identity for Native Americans. The encounter not only left her feeling violated but also spotlighted the broader systemic issues within ICE practices, especially regarding the recognition and respect for Indigenous rights and identities. As a prominent figure in the Native American community, Miles’ experience serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many Indigenous individuals in navigating their identities amidst a complex and often hostile immigration landscape.
The incident has sparked conversations about the need for better training and awareness among law enforcement regarding the validity of tribal identification and the rights of Indigenous peoples. It also raises important questions about the intersection of immigration enforcement and the sovereignty of Native American tribes. As the nation grapples with ongoing debates about immigration policy and enforcement, stories like Miles’ are crucial in advocating for respect, recognition, and the protection of Indigenous rights in all aspects of society.
Elaine Miles of Northern Exposure was stopped by four masked men in Seattle while walking to bus stop
A
Native American
actor known for her role in Northern Exposure has said she was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (
ICE
) officers in
Seattle
, Washington, who told her that her tribal identification “looked fake”.
Elaine Miles, an Indigenous actor, alleges that she was stopped by four masked men while she was walking to a bus stop in Redmond. She offered them her ID card from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon but was told by an ICE agent that “anyone can make that.”
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