Oregon tribes warn members to carry IDs because of ICE profiling

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is making tribal IDs free amid national reports that Native Americans have been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The CTUIR Board of Trustees set aside $3,000 at its meeting last week to provide IDs to the 3,200 enrolled members. A spokesman said 342 tribal identification cards have been issued in the past six months.

The Umatilla advise its members to always carry identification, especially when exercising rights guaranteed under the 1855 treaty that established the tribes.

“With current Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) concerns, the (board) wanted to ensure tribal IDs being readily available for our tribal members,” said Elfrina Lubrin, enrollment administrative manager.

CTUIR, based in Mission, Ore., about an hour south of Kennewick, Wash., operates under a constitutional form of government and oversees numerous businesses, including the Wildhorse Casino and Resort, for the benefit of its members.

Enrollment is limited to individuals who have one parent or grandparent who is an enrolled member and meet other eligibility requirements.

Cards are available by phone, email or in person at the Nixyaawii Governance Center, 464 Timine Way, in Mission. Call 541-429-7035 or email enrollment@ctuir.org for information.

This story was originally published January 29, 2026 at 11:57 AM.