Tlingit and Haida tribal members scramble to get new IDs following rumors of ICE presence in Juneau

JUNEAU, Alaska (KTUU) - Word spread in Juneau over the last couple of weeks regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents being active in the area and detaining residents.

Juneau Police released a statement Wednesday saying the claims of an ICE presence were untrue.

However, this did not quell fears for some, especially Tlingit and Haida tribal members.

Tribal President Richard Peterson made a social media post urging members to get new IDs in case they are stopped by ICE agents, the tribal office confirms.

Tlingit and Haida officials estimate about 300 members came into the office this week to renew tribal IDs, or to be issued new ones. There were also several new requests for enrollment.

Program Compliance Director Valarie Hillman says all tribal members should have updated IDs, regardless of an alleged ICE presence.

“For a lot of people, I think it’s a peace of mind to have their ID,” Hillman said. “ I think that just the fear of the unknown is what is getting a lot of people too and so we just want our citizens to be sure that they have a form of ID with them.”

The influx of requests has allowed the tribal office to update their records with more up-to-date information, Hillman says.

In another Facebook post, Peterson apologized for any fear he may have caused regarding ICE enforcement in the area.

“I apologize for any undue concern this may have caused. I always want to prioritize the safety of our community and in that spirit. The Tribe still recommends that all tribal citizens make sure to have their tribal IDs on them at all times.”

The post continued saying, “It’s important to be prepared, but also to avoid spreading unsubstantiated rumors. Let’s focus on sharing knowledge and verified information.”

Juneau Mayor Beth Weldon claims any word of an ICE presence in the area are “rumors.”

Regional representatives for both the FBI and ICE say they have not been in contact with JPD.

Police Chief Krag Campbell reiterates that there is no ICE presence in Juneau; they confirmed their information with local agencies. However, the U.S. Border Patrol is conducting investigations in the region.

“As far as JPD is aware, there are no ICE agents in Juneau,” Campbell said. “U.S. Border Patrol agents are being stationed in Juneau. JPD’s conversations with them have been focused almost exclusively on illegal narcotics distribution.”

Alaska’s News Source reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for further clarification but has not been able to confirm if there is an ICE presence in Juneau.

If you encounter ICE agents in the Juneau area, police ask that you call the JPD non-emergency line immediately to make a report.

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