US enforcement authorities are asking Americans to identify themselves, which has raised major concerns among Native Americans. According to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents may request identification or proof of citizenship from individuals in enforcement areas during operations.
Noem’s statement came as a reaction to allegations that some Americans in the vicinity of ICE activity, including protests, had been asked for identification.
Targeted Enforcement
According to Noem, this is a component of “targeted enforcement,” in which police inquire about the identities and motivations of anyone in the vicinity of a target and may arrest those who violate the law while their identities are being processed.
Her remarks coincide with widespread demonstrations against forceful ICE practices in states like Minnesota, where hostilities reached a breaking point following the shooting death of American citizen Renee Nicole Good at the hands of an ICE agent.
Critics argue that citizens are not legally obligated to carry identification and that requiring them to do so presents grave constitutional issues about arbitrary stops and detentions.
In response to the media reports that Americans are being advised by the Department of Homeland Security to be ready to provide documentation of their citizenship, the DHS post on X tried to clarify.
DHS posted – “False. A person’s immigration status makes them a target for enforcement, not their skin color, race or ethnicity.
Law enforcement uses ‘reasonable suspicion’ to make arrests, as protected under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Supreme Court has already ruled that such actions are in line with the Constitution.”
Also Read: How undocumented ‘Dreamers,’ DACA holders, and H-1B children could get a US green card
Federal officials have been requesting identification from protesters and watchers of ICE activities in Minneapolis and elsewhere in recent weeks in an effort to move them on or release those who have been temporarily detained. Videos have shown residents responding angrily to such requests, claiming they are not required to provide identification.
Under the Fourth Amendment, law enforcement officers cannot demand to see a person’s ID without any reasonable suspicion of a crime or a plan to issue a citation or arrest them. An inability or unwillingness to show ID, however, could lead to an officer arresting an individual for a suspected crime, rather than issuing a citation.
Federal authorities under the Trump administration have stated on the ground, especially in recent weeks, that agents have been hampered in their job by legal observers or those posing as such, which is why they have occasionally requested identification. A few people have been detained for allegedly obstructing Border Patrol and ICE officers.
Green Card Holders
However, US laws require lawful permanent residents to carry a green card in person. A failure to carry a green card in person may result in a fine or penalty not exceeding $100 or imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both.
Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act requires every alien 18 years of age and over to carry with them and have in their personal possession their evidence of registration document, such as Form I-94, a valid EAD card, or green card at all times, including when traveling domestically or just going about daily life.
In October 2025, the Trump administration had asked US enforcement authorities to revoke the lawful permanent resident (LPR) status of immigrants or impose a fine if they are found not to be complying with the law. All immigrants or non-citizens in America must ensure they have registered themselves under US laws and keep their registration document with them at all times.