Yes.

The federal government has enforcement authority over federal crimes like crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally, even if they happen on tribal land. Tribal law enforcement officers generally have authority to detain and transfer people they’ve already stopped if they suspect an individual crossed into their jurisdiction illegally.

Tribal law enforcement officers can also be deputized to enforce federal law. Tribal police can be granted customs authority, for example, allowing them to share intelligence and assist with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigations. Border Patrol coordinates closely with tribal governments and often conducts joint patrols with tribal police. The agencies also share resources for border security operations, such as patrol vehicles or facilities. 

This brief responds to conversations such as this one.

This fact brief was originally published by the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting. MinnPost partners with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. Sign up for our newsletter for more stories straight to your inbox.

Sources

• U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Correspondence with Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting 
• Congress of American Indians, Border Security and Immigration Enforcement on Tribal Lands
•  United States Government Accountability Office, Border Security Partnership Agreements and Enhanced Oversight Could Strengthen Coordination of Efforts on Indian Reservations
• U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Support to Tribes at or near the U.S. Southwest Border Policy

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