First Nations in Canada are issuing travel advisories warning citizens of the dangers visiting the USA in the wake of the growing violence of American immigration (ICE) officials and those officials abducting and detaining Native people.

The Assembly of First Nations, the national organisation representing the majority of First Nations in Canada, issued a strongly worded advisory on January 23 amid ongoing tensions in Minneapolis and other cities across the USA. Other First Nations have reached out to their own members to warn about the rising tensions, ICT reports.

In an official statement, the Assembly of First Nations said it has heard reports that some First Nation citizens have been "subjected to increased questioning and detainment by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)".

"The AFN strongly condemns these actions and reaffirms First Nations inherent and Treaty rights to cross-border mobility," the Assembly said.

ICT notes that for many years, the Indian Status card was all that was required of First Nations members in Canada when crossing the border into the United States.

AFN now urges First Nations members may want to carry a Canadian passport or other valid identification. Some First Nations leaders are also recommending travelers obtain a border crossing letter to take with them.

"Please note that the federal law enforcement may not be familiar with Tribal IDs," the Assembly's statement said.

"If an ICE agent does not accept your Tribal ID as identification, the Native American Rights Fund recommends that you request to speak to their supervisor."

The Grand Council Treaty #3, which represents First Nations members in the area of International Falls and the border crossing into the US state of Minnesota, issued an advisory on January 21 to its members; and has reached out to the Canadian government, ICT reports.

"We have been in contact with Indigenous Services Canada and Global Affairs Canada over the past week and we expect to meet further over the next two days," Daniel Morriseau, political advisor to Grand Council Treaty #3, told ICT.

"Right now, we at Grand Council Treaty #3, our First Nation communities, tribal councils, Indigenous Services, Global Affairs, and the Canadian Consulate in Minneapolis are all working to make sure our citizens have resources available to them should the need arise."

Members were advised to obtain a valid Canadian passport and carry any documentation that may demonstrate citizenship or legal status at all times.

"Members are also encouraged to request a border crossing letter from the membership office prior to travel for assistance," the advisory stated. "If issues arise while in the United States, Canadian citizens contact the Canadian Consulate for emergency assistance."

A border crossing letter is issued by a First Nation stating that the traveler is a member and they are exercising their rights under the Jay Treaty. The treaty was signed in 1794 between the USA and the United Kingdom (as Canada was part of the British Empire) and, among other things, ensured First Nations people would be allowed to travel, trade and work in both countries.

The Grand Council Treaty #3 said in a statement that recent reports indicate First Nation citizens have experienced "increased scrutiny, questioning, or enforcement actions by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement".

"Individuals are reminded of the importance of carrying valid identification, including a Status Card and or a Canadian passport, as proper documentation may help reduce the risk of unnecessary delays or detention," the Council said.

Treaty # 3 leadership also advised its members to contact the Canadian Consulate for assistance while in the United States if necessary.

The Mississauga First Nation in Ontario issued a travel advisory to its members on January 19, citing "ongoing actions by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) involving the detention of First Nation and Indigenous peoples, including individuals who are legally entitled to be in the United States", ICT reports.

On January 26, Aamjiwnaang First Nation also issued a warning.

"Due to the ongoing actions by the US immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the detention of First Nations people, Aamjiwnaang Chief and Council are urging members to take extra precautions when travelling to the United States," the advisory notes.

"Since time immemorial, our people have crossed the river into what is now called the United States of America," officials said.

"In 1794, the Jay Treaty was signed between the United States and Great Britain. This meant Indigenous People could pass freely across the border."