Wabanaki Tribal Members Rush for IDs After Immigration Crackdown

Tribal IDs surging as federal agents conduct raids in Maine

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Members of the Wabanaki Nations in Maine are fearful of being swept up in a recent wave of federal immigration enforcement activity, prompting a surge in requests for tribal identification cards. Tribal clerks report issuing IDs at over double the usual rate as tribal leaders urge members to carry proper identification.

Why it matters

The Wabanaki Nations, including the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, and Maliseet tribes, have long-standing treaty rights and are recognized as sovereign nations. However, there are concerns that federal agents may not always recognize tribal IDs as valid proof of citizenship, leading to potential detentions or arrests of Native Americans.

The details

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, tribal documents can be considered the equivalent of a U.S. Citizen ID card. Lindsey Loring, an administrator for the Penobscot Nation, said requests for tribal IDs shot up from 5-10 per month to 4-5 per week in late January as federal agents conducted raids in the state. The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians also saw a spike, issuing over 30 IDs so far in 2026 compared to about 100 annually in recent years.

  • The wave of enhanced immigration enforcement began on January 20, 2026.
  • Tribal leaders issued directives for members to carry IDs during the crackdown in late January 2026.

The players

Penobscot Nation

One of the Wabanaki tribes in Maine, with about 2,400 enrolled members, of which 1,000 live outside the state.

Lindsey Loring

An administrator who works the front desk for the Penobscot Nation.

Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians

One of the Wabanaki tribes in Maine's Aroostook County.

Clarissa Sabattis

The chief of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.

Kirk Francis

The chief of the Penobscot Nation.

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What they’re saying

“We know that many of you have heard reports of ICE interactions involving individuals who are, by law and by birthright, citizens of Tribal Nations. News and social media reports indicate that ICE has detained several Native Americans throughout the country and have conducted raids on facilities located on Tribal lands. The Tribal government has verified that some of these reports are true, and some are false.”

— Kirk Francis, Penobscot Chief (Facebook)

“Nervousness about being detained drove the spike in requests.”

— Lindsey Loring, Penobscot Nation Administrator (Portland Press Herald)

What’s next

There have been no reports of any Wabanaki people being detained or arrested by federal authorities so far, but tribal leaders remain vigilant and are urging members to carry proper identification.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by sovereign tribal nations in asserting their rights and identities, even within their own ancestral homelands. It underscores the need for greater understanding and respect for tribal sovereignty by federal authorities.