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Penobscot Nation urges citizens to carry Tribal IDs amid ICE activity

Kirk Francis, Chief of the Penobscot Nation, addresses the Legislature, Wednesday, March 16, 2023, at the State House in Augusta, Maine.
Robert F. Bukaty
/
AP file
Kirk Francis, Chief of the Penobscot Nation, addresses the Legislature, Wednesday, March 16, 2023, at the State House in Augusta, Maine.

Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis is encouraging tribal members to carry their tribal identification as Immigrations and Customs Enforcement activity increases in Maine this week.

In a message to the tribe yesterday, Francis wrote that although no one should have to prove their identity as Native American, having the documentation could help avoid complications with the federal agents that have been reported in other states.

Tribal identification showing proof of enrollment is sufficient evidence of U.S. citizenship, Francis said. However, he raised concerns that ICE officers lack training on Tribal identification and documentation.

Kaitlyn Budion is Maine Public’s Bangor correspondent, joining the reporting team after several years working in print journalism.