Area First Nations issue notices regarding immigration agents in U.S.

Some First Nations in northwestern Ontario are issuing notices to band members about travelling in the United States.

They come as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents make a strong presence in Minnesota.

The Chief of Rainy River First Nation was among the first to issue a notice.

Jim Leonard directed it at those living in the United States, encouraging them to carry their status card and Canadian passport at all times.

The notice states he has become aware of First Nations people being targeted, assaulted and detained by ICE agents.

Leonard also states that if they do not have proper documentation or know someone who has been targeted, they should contact him.

Since Leonard’s notice on the weekend, a similar one from Seine River First Nation has issued by the community’s chief.

More than 2,700 ICE agents have been deployed to Minnesota.

There have daily protests in Minneapolis opposing their presence since the shooting of a 37-year-old woman last week by an ICE agent.

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of agents in certain states to crack down on illegal immigrants.