Lawmakers condemn ICE detention of Diné worker in Phoenix area

Arizona Democratic lawmakers with ties to Indigenous communities publicly condemned the detention of a Diné man by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after an encounter in the Phoenix area on January 16. The man, identified as Peter Yazzie, was traveling for work and was carrying a valid tribal identification card and a birth certificate when approached by ICE, prompting swift political reaction and alarm among Native communities.

Representatives Brian Garcia of Tempe, Mae Peshlakai of Cameron and Myron Tsosie of Chinle criticized the agency’s actions and characterized the detention as unlawful. Their statements framed the episode not as an isolated enforcement action but as part of broader patterns that provoke fear and trauma for Indigenous people who already navigate complex relationships with federal authorities.

Details about the circumstances of the stop remain limited. What is clear for Apache County residents is the symbolic and practical fallout: tribal IDs are widely used across the Navajo Nation and other Indigenous communities as primary proof of identity and citizenship, and the detention of a man who presented such documentation has renewed questions about how immigration enforcement, tribal sovereignty and recognition of tribal identification intersect.

The incident landed in a charged policy context. Native communities have long expressed concern about interactions with federal law enforcement that can delay access to work, medical care and family needs. For many in Apache County who routinely travel to Phoenix for employment, appointments or services, the episode may deepen worries about safety during travel and the reliability of standard identification to prevent wrongful detention.

Local leaders and tribal officials now face pressure to press for clarification from ICE about the legal basis for the detention and the agency’s procedures when dealing with tribal citizens. The situation also underscores broader legal and diplomatic issues: tribal sovereignty, treaty obligations, and the need for federal agencies to coordinate with tribal governments to avoid incidents that erode trust.

The political response from lawmakers with Indigenous ties signals that the matter will not be allowed to fade quickly. For residents of Apache County, the immediate impact is heightened concern and a call for clearer protections and explanations from federal authorities. Community members and local officials will be watching for further information, potential agency responses and any steps that might restore confidence in the recognition of tribal documents and the safety of Diné people traveling for work or services.