Native Bidaské: Federal ICE Activity in Minneapolis: Ruth Buffalo’s Perspective
Federal ICE enforcement has intensified in Minneapolis, Minnesota, raising serious concerns among Native communities, advocates, and local leaders. In this episode of Native Bidaské, we speak directly with Ruth Buffalo, CEO of the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC), for an on-the-ground Indigenous perspective on what’s happening right now.
Ruth Buffalo shares firsthand insight into how the presence of federal immigration officers is impacting Native women, families, and unhoused relatives in Minneapolis — and why Indigenous voices must be centered in conversations about immigration enforcement, public safety, and human rights.
This episode goes beyond headlines to explore:
What Indigenous communities in Minneapolis are experiencing amid increased ICE activity
How federal enforcement intersects with racial justice, housing insecurity, and Indigenous sovereignty
The role of the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center in supporting and protecting Native women and families
Additional community resources and information, shared during the episode, for those seeking help or ways to take action
📌 Important: Viewers are encouraged to watch the full episode to access additional resources and guidance shared during the conversation.
Learn more about the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center: https://www.miwrc.org
Help support these MN organizers directly:
Indigenous Protector Movement: https://bit.ly/4bxmBzm
Pow Wow Grounds: https://account.venmo.com/u/powwowgrounds
MUID resources: https://muidmn.org/donate
Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors (MUID) group: https://muidmn.org/
Resources for Individuals and Nonprofits Approached by ICE: https://narf.org/ice-resources-2026/
Native Bidaské is Native News Online’s weekly spotlight on the people, policies, and movements shaping Indian Country — featuring Indigenous leaders, journalists, and change-makers bringing context, clarity, and truth to today’s most pressing issues.
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@spiketv549
September 30, 2026 at 11:25 am
It is hard to imagine tribal IDs not being thought of as a legitimate form of ID, and I know people have to be safe and maybe question "is this considered a valid form of ID?", but I want to comment on the risk that always exists for tribal enrollees, over non-tribally enrolled Native Americans. Those of us who are not enrolled have a responsibility to protect enrollees (though I think about Governor Stitt in Oklahoma, and what is there to protect, but hopefully I'm communicating this well enough). I think the fact that there is any question is a reminder how extremely brutal the regime is, how extremely brutal ICE is, and I have started using the word "troops," a word I don't use to describe servicemembers because I feel it is dehumanizing. But, ICE troops, and I feel like using that word, maybe it is easier to rein ICE in. It looks like it is getting worse and worse for tribal enrollees, and it is the same old, it is nothing different from what has gone on historically, but I think we would have expected there to be more civilized behavior by now, and I think we all know, when we die, we are still here, when we die, it isn't easy there either, but it is nothing to fear, but, people have to stay alive, people have to be protected, and it has been one thing after another, this past year (Though the past decade has been rough). People have to be protected from arrest, from torture, from all the abuses that go on, and, I think people more or less expect these things, but this bad? And Minneapolis? That is some sacred ground. Federal tribes are federal tribes, and there should be no question about that! I wonder what it is going to take to help the federal government understand this, fully, and that has to be possible. I also think is it South Dakota? Maybe needs to call Noem back in some capacity, maybe as an inmate.
@Taurusx2-w2h
September 30, 2026 at 11:25 am
Thanks for sharing the news that matters! As a tribal member who lives my reservation, keeping informed and up to date with the current issues sometimes very difficult. I appreciate your content and just way to say thank you. I also read the comments and appreciate and consider those as well.
@bowerydoll
September 30, 2026 at 11:25 am
Noktala kanómi (Peace, relatives). U.S. history is rhyming loud and hard. Never forget, the nazis in Germany were inspired by the way Indigenous and Black ancestors were brutally mistreated HERE on Turtle Island. Our ancestors and still-living elders (Indigenous, Black, Brown and Asian) have been through state sanctioned violence, white domestic terrorism and U.S. autocratic oppression before. Their strength and resilience are in us. Many of us STILL live in over-policed communities with endless racial profiling, bias, harassment and violence. This isn't new to us, but now many non-Indigenous allies, especially nahollo (white people) like Rachel Good and her wife, are waking up to it. Please stay safe, strong and aware of your surroundings and identification. Keep building community and nurture your spirit. Remember, rest is resistance, too. We're going to get through this. We are not alone. Hapim oklah tikba (Our ancestors) are always with us.
@WaterLilly-om1xi
September 30, 2026 at 11:25 am
As a Red Lake Nation tribal resident of the twin cities, thank you. I found this very helpful for getting my Tribal ID.
@gmat1413
September 30, 2026 at 11:25 am
Praying for my people
Our ancestors are watching they are with us
Creator will take care of us