The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs issued a public statement last week following an incident in which U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents made a stop on reservation land on July 23.
According to the tribal government, the ICE agents stopped at a rest stop on reservation lands. Tribal Police made contact with the federal agents, who reported they were passing through and had stopped for a restroom break along with individuals in their custody. The Warm Springs Police Department confirmed that no tribal members were taken into federal custody during the incident.
Tribal Government Statement
The Confederated Tribes issued a formal response emphasizing several key points:
- The tribe’s Police Department and staff do not actively participate in federal immigration enforcement.
- The Warm Springs community “remains a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for all its membership.”
- The tribal government recognizes the jurisdiction of federal authorities while prioritizing the safety, stability, and well-being of its community members.
- Community members who observe ICE agents on reservation lands are asked to immediately contact the Warm Springs Police Department.
“The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will continue to advocate for the dignity, safety and well-being of the Nation,” the tribal government said in its statement. “The tribal government will also continue its efforts to encourage community members to know their rights and remain informed.”
Know Your Rights
The tribal government encourages all community members to remain informed about their rights during encounters with federal law enforcement. Warm Springs Police Department contact numbers are:
- 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.: 541-553-1171
- 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.: 541-384-2080
The tribe also noted that the Latino Community Association and the Rural Organizing Project had hosted a Migra Watch Training in Warm Springs earlier this month, educating volunteers in ICE verification, human rights documentation, and response procedures.
Tribal Sovereignty and Federal Jurisdiction
The interaction has drawn attention to the complex legal landscape of tribal sovereignty and federal authority on reservation lands. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs reservation covers roughly 640,000 acres in Jefferson County, and the tribe maintains its own police force with primary jurisdiction over tribal members on tribal land. Federal agencies retain concurrent jurisdiction on reservations under various statutes.
The tribal government’s response emphasized community cohesion and information-sharing, asking residents to “check on one another, remain vigilant and rely on trusted, verified information.”
Note: The Warm Springs community is currently also under active wildfire evacuation orders related to the Bench Fire. Residents should monitor both emergency channels and tribal government communications for the latest guidance.