Border Patrol Explains Role During TEB Meeting
Two representatives of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided a positive message during a visit with the Fort Peck Tribes Executive Board on Friday, Feb. 13.
Tribal chairman Floyd Azure expressed that the TEB wants to be informed when ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is on the reservation in order that they can protect their residents if needed.
Azure said he doesn’t want area people to be harassed.
“We will work with you, if you work with us,” Azure said.
Representing the Border Patrol were Zach Crosson, acting chief patrol agent, and Thomas Nothhelfer III, executive officer for the Havre section.
Crosson noted that ICE and Border Patrol are two separate operations. He said the Border Patrol has enjoyed a great relationship with officials on most reservations. Support has been positive when dealing with local, federal and tribal agencies.
Crosson said besides at checkpoints, the Border Patrol’s work in the interior is criminal based.
“We want to be a partner not a hindrance,” Crosson said. “At the end of the day, we want drugs out of our community just like we want them out of yours.”
Asked whether ICE has impacted the Border Patrol’s work, Crosson said the Border Patrol believes in being apolitical and to enforce laws that are there. “In my mind, that’s where we should stay,” he said.
TEB member Adrian Spotted Bird talked about a personal experience when he dealt with Border Patrol years ago. Spotted Bird noted that each reservation has a different tribal ID and hopes that Border Patrol can recognize them without any questions.
TEB member Jestin Dupree noted examples of all the various tribal IDs can be found on the web when searching Montana tribal ID cards.
Crosson said Border Patrol isn’t in the practice of picking people in a crowd and asking questions. He explained there’s usually “something there” before asking questions.
After Spotted Bird commented that ICE makes people feel ill at ease, Crosson said to his knowledge that ICE isn’t present on tribal lands in Montana.
Later, Spotted Bird asked where Native Americans could be deported to? Crosson answered, “You won’t be deported. You were born in the United States.”
Crosson said Border Patrol believes in treating people professionally, dignity and respect. He also would like Border Patrol to become more involved in the community for events such as career fairs.
TEB member Marva Chapman thanked the officials for coming to the meeting. She said communication is what everybody needs.
Azure also expressed his thanks for the informative conversation.
