The Blood Tribe is urging is members to be cautious when travelling to the U.S. following recently-reported incidents. (Image Credit: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Blood Tribe among First Nations urging caution when travelling to U.S.

Jan 30, 2026 | 8:46 AM

First Nations across Canada are advising Indigenous peoples to be cautious when heading south of the border.

The Blood Tribe has issued an advisory to its members after the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) put out its own statement on cross-border safety.

The AFN said in a social media post that there have been reports of First Nation citizens being subject to increased questioning and detainment by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“The AFN strongly condemns these actions and reaffirms First Nations’ inherent and Jay Treaty right to cross-border mobility,” reads a statement from the AFN.

Part of the issue, according to the AFN, is that federal law enforcement officers in America may not be familiar with Tribal IDs.

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The Blood Tribe adds that, while it cannot provide legal advice on U.S. matters, members of the Blood Tribe should ensure they have a copy of their birth certificate or other evidence that they were born in Canada, along with evidence of their percentage of “American Indian Blood” when heading to the U.S.

“A Canadian federal Certificate of Indian Status has been reported as not being accepted as proof of blood degree and that proof must come directly from the person’s First Nation,” says the Blood Tribe.

Officials from the Blood Tribe clarify that they are not aware of any incidents where Blood Tribe members have been stopped or detained by ICE, and that their statement is intended as a cautionary safety advisory to keep the public informed.

Indigenous people who require assistance with Status Card applications, renewals, replacements, or urgent processing related to travel can contact Indigenous Services Canada’s Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIC) Program at 1-800-567-9604 or visit www.canada.ca/indigenous-services-canada.

In emergency cases, Canadian citizens in the U.S. can contact the Canadian Consulate at 1-613-996-8885.

@lethbridgenewsnow Indigenous Canadians cautioned about U.S. travel after incidents with ICE. Learn more at LethbridgeNewsNow.com #YQL #LNN #Lethbridge #Alberta #Canada #ICE #News #USA ♬ original sound – Lethbridge News Now