Hey #BuuNygren, maybe listen to what the Diné youth are saying?
#Navajo #protesters say people fear #deportation threats, other changes under #Trump
by Arlyssa D. Becenti, January 29, 2025
WINDOW ROCK — "Bryson Sam and his siblings stood at an intersection in the Navajo Nation capital under gray clouds and a chilly breeze, holding signs that read, 'No Human is Illegal on Stolen Land' and 'Native Youth Deserve Better.' Across the street, another protester waved a #Palestinian flag, holding a sign that read, 'Make White Supremacists Scared Again.'
"The demonstration was their response to events unfolding across the country and in Arizona. Last week, The Arizona Republic reported on unverified claims circulating on social media that Navajo citizens were being detained in connection with President Donald Trump’s executive order on mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.
"'My people outside of the Navajo Nation are getting a lot of backlash, thinking they're immigrants, when no one is illegal on stolen land,' said Sam. 'A lot of Native elders and adults aren't aware because a lot of stuff is being hidden. Native youth like me are aware but our voice feels dim. What happened in the 1920s in Germany is happening now, deportation, concentration camps, it's basically adding up. I don't want to make seem like we are letting it happen. A lot of my people are afraid. A lot of them saying we are scared for our future.'
"Sam said he initially waited for someone else to take action, but instead of standing by, he decided it was up to him to step forward and make his voice heard. He emphasized that his protest is not only about raising awareness of the challenges faced by Native people in urban areas but also about shedding light on the broader threat of targeting of people of color by the Trump administration and ICE.
"'I am afraid not only for my future but for everyone's future,' said Sam. 'Not only Native people, but #BlackPeople, #MexicanPeople, everyone. We are no longer individual tribes we stand together. Whatever feud we may have had back in the day, no more, because now it's time to stand together.'
"Following a meeting last week, leaders have advised tribal members to carry state-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or another form of photo ID if available. Additionally, a Certificate of Indian Blood may be helpful.
"Navajo tribal members affected by ICE raids can contact the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission Office at (928) 871-7436. People who encounter issues with federal immigration officials can reach out to Operation Rainbow Bridge at 855-435-7672, visit their website at operationrainbowbridge . com, or email info @ operationrainbowbridge . com.
https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2025/01/29/navajo-protesters-say-they-fear-deportation-other-threats-under-trump/78012524007/
#USPol #Diné #NavajoNation #ICERaids #TheTimeIsNow #TimeToStandTogether #NoHumanIsIllegalOnStolenLand #NativeYouthDeserveBetter #Dinétah #NavajoNation #MakeWhiteSupremacistsAfraidAgain
