TOLEDO — The Meskwaki Nation released a community safety notice on Tuesday about an incident that occurred at the local A9 Restaurant in Toledo. The notice stated that at approximately 1:30 on Tuesday afternoon, in the restaurant’s parking lot, a citizen was stopped by two men who questioned her about her citizenship. The local woman stated that she felt “hostility and discomfort around the two men.” The notice also stated the woman was subjected to a brief questioning, and after she “complied,” the two men left.

This incident comes only days after the Meskwaki Nation released an informational statement from the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) entitled “Know Your Rights If You Are Approached by ICE.” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was not in the area at the time. The local police, after contacting the FBI and Homeland Security, confirmed that these men acted alone and aren’t known to have any affiliations with law enforcement. They were not agents of ICE.

It was stated that one of the men drove a black Dodge Durango, while the other had a dark gray GMC-type vehicle. The identities of the men are unknown at this time, and no charges have been filed against them as this issue went to press.

In response to questions from the News Chronicle, Toledo Police Chief Dan Quigley said his agency was not contacted about the incident, and he could not answer whether the men allegedly impersonating ICE agents had broken the law without more information related to the contact itself.

“We have not spoken to anyone about this incident and do not have the details to be able to comment on the matter. The limited information that we have is third or fourth hand,” he said.

He added that he did not have “hard and fast” numbers but could not recall any investigations into impersonation of a public official during his tenure with the Toledo PD. According to Quigley, ICE agents have visited Toledo in the past, but not anytime recently.

“We have collaborated with multiple federal agencies in the past on various investigations,” he said.

He noted that actual agents will likely have some means of identification, whether it is a badge and identification card along with ballistic vests or shirts/jackets bearing insignia or markings of their agency or rank. Quigley did not know if the agency plans to visit the area in the future.

“I am not aware of the inner workings of any federal law enforcement agency,” he said.

He also urged anyone contacted by such individuals to “comply now,” and if they feel that they were treated improperly, complain later.

“Roadside or on scene is not the place to try to hash out differences in opinion,” he said.