Story perspectives

Indigenous Actress Detained by ICE Amid Racial Profiling Concerns

11/28/2025

Summary

Story summary

Indigenous actress Elaine Miles was detained by ICE in Redmond, Washington, en route to a bus stop.
Agents questioned the legitimacy of her tribal identification from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and claimed it was fake.
The incident underscores concerns about racial profiling and immigration enforcement under U.S. President Donald Trump.
Miles noted similar experiences within her family, signaling systemic ICE issues toward Indigenous people.

History

Historical Context

The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 granted U.S. citizenship to approximately 125,000 Native Americans, yet systemic discrimination persisted, limiting their rights. Despite this legal recognition, many tribes, including the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, faced ongoing challenges. Elaine Miles' 2023 detention by ICE underscores the lasting issues of racial profiling and immigration enforcement affecting Indigenous peoples today.

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Story summary

Indigenous actress Elaine Miles was detained by ICE in Redmond, Washington, en route to a bus stop.
Agents questioned the legitimacy of her tribal identification from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and claimed it was fake.
The incident underscores concerns about racial profiling and immigration enforcement under U.S. President Donald Trump.
Miles noted similar experiences within her family, signaling systemic ICE issues toward Indigenous people.

1 / 2