Border mayors respond to First Nation's advice on ICE

Mayors of Fort Frances and Rainy River say they have not received reports of local mistreatment by U.S. ICE agents and expressed concern after a Rainy River First Nation chief advised members to carry ID when crossing into Minnesota.

Mayors in two Ontario border towns spoke after a Rainy River First Nation chief posted advice for members to carry identification when travelling into Minnesota. Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas said he has not heard of any negative experiences by local residents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. He reposted the chief's Facebook notice because many residents are First Nations, and the municipality has not issued travel guidance because it says there is no factual evidence of a hazard. Rainy River Mayor Deb Ewald said allegations of mistreatment were new to her and noted residents remain closely connected with neighbouring U.S. towns while some are avoiding shopping across the border. What officials said: - Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas said he had not heard reports of local residents being mistreated by ICE agents. - Hallikas reposted a Facebook notice from the Rainy River First Nation chief advising members to carry ID when south of the border. - The Fort Frances municipality has not issued travel guidance, citing a lack of factual evidence of a hazard to Canadian citizens crossing into Minnesota. - Rainy River Mayor Deb Ewald said allegations were the first she had heard and that some residents are avoiding shopping in Baudette, Minn. - Both mayors expressed concern about media reports from Minneapolis, including a Jan. 7 shooting involving an ICE agent. Summary: Officials said cross-border relationships remain strong but recent reports and online advisories have prompted concern among local leaders and residents. Municipalities have not taken formal steps to issue travel guidance. Undetermined at this time.