Native America Calling Thursday, November 20, 2025 – Federal immigration crackdown collides with Native Americans
Because of a clerical error, Leticia Jacobo was told she would be handed over to ICE officials (Photo: courtesy Leticia Jacobo)
Family, friends, and tribal officials rallied to help after authorities in Iowa notified Leticia Jacobo she would be handed over to federal immigration officials instead of being released from jail. Jacobo is a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. After extensive pushback, authorities admitted her U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer was a clerical error. We’ll hear Jacobo’s story. We’ll also hear about what was behind the Nisqually Tribe’s public announcement that it would not house immigrant detainees at their tribal corrections facility. Tribal officials say it is against their values of treating people with dignity and respect.
GUESTS
Leticia Jacobo (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community), resident of Des Moines, Iowa
Maria Nunez (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community), Leticia’s aunt
Gabe Galanda (Round Valley Indian Tribe), managing lawyer at Galanda Broadman
David Leslie (Iñupiaq), Iñupiaq activist in Fairbanks, Alaska
Break 1 Music: Native Blood (song) Testament (artist) Dark Roots of Earth (album)
Break 2 Music: Treemen (song) Digger Jonez (artist)