AFN Issues Advisory Warning for First Nations Travelling to the United States – MBC Radio
Jan 28, 2026
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has issued an urgent travel advisory for First Nations citizens planning to cross the Canada–United States border, urging caution and preparedness in light of recent actions by U.S. immigration authorities.
On January 23, 2026, the AFN released a statement expressing concern about reports that some First Nations people have faced increased questioning, detainment, and other confrontations with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while attempting to enter the United States. The advisory stresses that these incidents have raised alarms about the safety and rights of Indigenous travellers.
National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak confirmed that at least one First Nations individual experienced a negative border encounter, prompting the AFN to call on members to exercise extra caution when crossing into the U.S. She emphasized that the incidents reflect not only enforcement overreach but potential violations of inherent Indigenous rights and the historic Jay Treaty, which is recognized by the U.S. as ensuring free passage for Indigenous peoples across the border.
