A member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe was questioned by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Ruidoso, an incident that has since raised concerns throughout Indigenous communities in New Mexico. As reported by KTSM, the questioning occurred earlier this week when ICE agents approached a family in a public place, later turning their attention to an individual tribal member who was asked for a passport in Spanish.

This singular verified encounter, part of a trend escalating indigenous anxieties, saw the unnamed tribal member produce a New Mexico driver's license and a tribal identification card, effectively defusing the situation, this occurs amid broader reports of ICE activities targeting Native Americans under the guise of immigration control. The tribe's website emphasized the importance of carrying identification and the proactive steps being taken by Tribal leadership, collaborating with the New Mexico Congressional Delegation, to safeguard the rights of Tribal Members.

Concurrently, Indigenous leaders are advocating preparedness amidst fear of mistaken identity in encounters with federal agents. As described by the Santa Fe New Mexican, Mescalero Apache Tribe President Thora Walsh-Padilla has urged vigilance after receiving calls from distressed tribal members, with ICE agents reportedly not recognizing Certificates of Indian Blood and other state-issued IDs as valid proof of citizenship, prompting Navajo Nation officials to voice similar anxieties.