Aztec Dancers Allege Religious Discrimination After Tribal Feathers Seized at Border

Najah P Tamargo

Minister Najah Tamargo USA

Anybody that has had the opportunity to learn "real history", as opposed to the white-washed crap they teach now, know that pretty much all Indigenous Peoples used feathers for various religious and ceremonial events.
Those custom agents had NO RIGHT to even touch those feathers, let alone confiscate them!!!! SHAME SHAME on them! The Aztec Dancers, which I have had the honor to see in person, are sharing their ways with the outsiders of the world. Their work is admired and beautiful, therefore, should be respected. I will pray for these items to be RETURNED, uninjured, to their rightful owners, along with a very long apology from the offending officers, and the Customs Office! And maybe that office should include a very long training session on the observation of the religious rights of Indigenous Peoples!!!!

Najah P Tamargo

Minister/DR Najah Tamargo USA

Dear Dr. Z. Since you, obviously, have no knowledge of any religions before yours rolled around, I suggest you keep your hate talk to yourself.

So....when they come for YOUR religious items......TOUGH....DO NOT CAR AT ALL and BOO HOO! These people make their money honestly from their performances. The confiscation of those feather you find so useless, could take years to replace, and totally suspend their schedules, undermining their honest and legal source of income. Tis better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt!

Rev. MichaelRS

Thanks to the Biden Administration we have cartel members and drugs and human smuggling across the border like never before and this is what the US Border Patrol busy themselves with? Ridiculous.

Angelic Realms

So they're on the case to steal feather but look the other way when a truck as 50 people and a coyote baking to death in the back or enough fentanyl to kill all mankind. Sure, that's our utter trash government. Such losers.

Colleen McAllister

This group of dancers is based here so I am assuming that the feathers had crossed the border on the way into Mexico. Apparently the border guards were bored and wanted to make a big deal out of it. No idea why they would do such a thorough search from finding rather average feathers. Doubt there was any religious bigotry involved but these guards were definitely wrong.

ServantOfJudgement

I'd think we'd be more worried about the machine gun weilding cartel members pouring through the border than an Aztec head dress. Then again, maybe I've already had too much to think this morning. Sounds like they're US citizens which explains a lot. Our government is more hostile towards it's citizens than illegal immigrants. Pick a team in D.C, it won't matter, they both run us through the ringer. Give the pretty feathers back and seize the machine gun guys instead. Maybe save a life or two.

Nicholas J Page

Indigenous people are not above the law and should know what you can and can't take into the country with them.

Dr. Zerpersande, NSC

If the law prohibits bringing in feathers, tough. If it was subsequently found that some of the feathers were okay and returned, no harm done.
If some feathers were lost and/or destroyed, actual replacement value. Religious value? Do not care at all. Trauma due to feather confiscation? Boo hoo. Grow up. They want money, plain and simple.

Ann

Know the rules and have proper documents when crossing the border. This goes foreveryone no matter colour, culture, religion. I've seen the horror of how people smuggle birds across. Try crossing the Northern border; now there's a treat.

Douglas Robert Spindler

THANK YOU BORDER AGENTS FOR DOING YOUR JOB. Sure sound like the agents were doing their job. They might be Aztec dancers, but they could also be smuggling in drugs, contraband and illegal animal parts. That IS the job of the border agents.

One has to ask why the Aztec dancers BEFORE they left the country get their feathers certified and permitted by the wildlife department?

IF ONLY THEY WOULD HAVE FOLLOWED THE RULES.

Renee Grey

I want to send peace to them and I know that the win will be theirs! Everyone here is talking about the laws well, these laws are just as bad as the men who made them!

Patricia Ann Gross

Any time I have crossed the border I have been asked if I have any animal or plant products. If they are processed and packaged, they are usually ok, unless there is a duty or limit assigned (like for alcohol or tobacco products). If exclusions are made for specific religious purposes, then they should have been honored, but at the same time, the people should have disclosed their purpose when being questioned about them. I'm not saying how they were treated was compassionate or even fair, but it is the way that people get searched when crossing the borders in this country. If they didn't disclose them (feathers are an animal product) then they would have been searched. How were the border guards to know otherwise? If a Catholic priest crosses the border with a bottle of holy water and annointing oil, I would expect them to be treated the same way, however I doubt that this happens.

Gene Schenck

Get a personal visit from Biden and give those stupid people of the border patrol an education give the people back the feathers along with 1000 dollars per day per person until every feather is returned. Put this on television news for one week nationwide.

Dennis James Lieberman

Indigenous means born within the Land these imaginary borders are put up by colonization to divide us . They have every right to have those feather's for ritual & ceremonial use. There are key items used which are central tenents of indigenous culture . A'ho Kola's Mitakuy'e Oyasin

Rev Ned

I thought indigenous people had the right to possess eagle feathers etc. Doesn’t Federal Law protect that right?

Daniel Todd Kamm

Per the above article: "However, per that very same website, 'exceptions do exist… for the use of feathers by Native Americans,' so enough said. The Border Patrol agents weren't confiscating feathers of the now extinct dodo bird, or trafficked birds, but commonly available feathers. Enough already!

And someone needs to form a school , or at least a "School House Rock" to educate people about the differences between an economic system and a political system. Too many terms tossed about too freely with nothing more than poor rhetoric.

Stephen P Singleton

I’ve seen this group of dancers perform numerous times at Pow Wows in the LA area and hope they win their suit. This is another outrageous violation of rights by an absolutely out of control “law enforcement” agency of a Government that I hardly recognize anymore. Trump is gone, but the Border Patrol still operates like we’re at war. The magnificent regalia those Aztec dancers use are meticulously hand crafted and treated by them as sacred. I bet all of the dancers are either full US citizens or have the proper papers. This is just another example of the total disregard for indigenous peoples’ rights and the inability of “our” government to treat human beings at our borders with simple dignity and respect. It makes me ashamed of “my” country and more than a bit angry at a leadership that I actually voted for. I apologize for the blatant political tone of this comment, but the incident violates my sense of spiritual harmony and a mutual respect for all people; for Life.

Keith Allen Steele Eash

Obey the darn laws transporting such things into our country. This could be based on the fact of wild birds feathers such as hawks, also possible foreign insects which can harm our crops or American wild plants. It's only right. 1 million.dollars in grievances. Give me a freaking break. Another incident of victim calling racism. Screw them. They are not victims of discrimination.

Brandon Terry

Peace be with you!

I can truly see both sides to this issue. I strongly advise everyone to research into the laws of the country into which you are traveling, as we are all living in a world controlled by man and must follow these man-made laws. Enforcing these laws should be handled in a respectful manner, as we should all live humanely as we are instructed to do. Remember, we are all children of the same universe.

On the aspect of religion, I strongly recommend we research into the reasons we are doing what we do. Actually, we should do this in everything we do—religious or not. There are many ideals and customs that we believe or do even in this modern day that would do us well to leave in the past.

I’ve recently transitioned from Roman-influenced Christianity to becoming an Essene, and I have never been happier. It is truly one of the most loving branches of a Christ-led faith. As you comment on this or any other site, remember to ask yourself are your representing the best of the faith you represent? Be well!

Jennifer Christine Broxson

According to the article, without any further investigation:

The Migratory Bird Act, "...extends to ALL feathers, regardless how they were obtained," though there is a religious exemption. However, according to her own words "...transporting feathers across the U.S.-Mexico border is against the law." These makes it clear she was is aware the feathers, whether gathered from domestic birds or not, are not to be transported over the border.

Seems like a lot of effort was put forth into building a tempest in a teapot to get people up in arms over something that appears to be pretty cut and dried.

Tom Herman

I have seen Aztec dancers. Their regalia use hundreds of feathers each in their costumes. 1,500 feathers would not be unusual for the whole troupe. What's lacking in the story is if these were part of their regalia or loose feathers being smuggled across the border. We really need more information to make a determination on the validity of the statements. What makes me suspicious is the demand for a million dollars each. Are we looking at the return of property for truly religious reasons or opportunistic greed? In any event, a little more information on the details of this issue would be helpful.

Alexander Arends

First, I am under the impression that the feathers, at least some of them, came from across the border. Second, border guards have to enforce the laws, even if they make no sense. To accuse them of insensitivity is unfair. Third, I am disappointed in all the hate, accusations and bitterness continually on display here under the guise of love.. Enough said.

Rolando Couce

When you have the communist and Nazi party in control of your nation like now things like this will continue to happen you most get Trump back in to save this country

Father Frederick

I can't answer the question about the feathers, but I can say this. When I see legal matters framed as "1,500 feathers were seized by officials while the group crossed the U.S.-Mexico border. They're now seeking $1 million in compensation per person", I truly wish that in the litigation, if the agent or agency overstepped their bounds, that the lions share of the costs come from the individual making the decision to seize their assets.

Let me frame an example. I own a huge amount of land. I practice a religion. Someone does not like what I do, and uses the government to not only stop me from practicing my religion, but to seize all my land and assets. I then go to court, prove my innocence, and in my case I not only win back all that I had, but get a $1-billion judgement against those who wronged me, which is likely the state or federal government.

Who do you think pays? I'm sure not the agency. I'm sure it's not the ones that used government as a weapon. I'm sure the individuals who joyfully said, "let's get him", do not pay. No, its usually the taxpayer who provides the money. Is that fair that you pay for the sins of others. Just a thought.

Dr. Jerry Moyes

The dancers are correct. Here's a blatant example of the government ignoring The Constitution, which grants freedom of religion. The constitution overrides all other laws, codes, statutes, and ordinances. In fact, any law that is in conflict with, or attempts to modify, The Constitution is invalid on the face. There are additional layers to this, indigenous peoples are a constant target of US law enforcement, especially border guards. To add one more layer to the list of misdeeds, the culture and ancestral practices of these citizens are being attacked. It's time for The First People to stop being persecuted by the US government.

Daniel Gray

Very simple. They broke US Law and since they are not Native American, that part of the law does not grant them any protection. Maybe they should have spoken with the Border Agents and explained what was going on. if not then they have no complaints as the Migratory Bird Act has been law for over 25 years, most likely far longer then they have been dancing. As such they have no claim

Dr. Mike

I have been reluctant to enter into this fray, and have waited to see if their was any movement one way or the other in media sources.
I am relatively certain these folks will never see those feathers again and their filing thrown out.

The Migratory Birds Act, The Raptor Protection Act, and the Endangered Species Act are all real things and are usually vigorously enforced. Yes, there are exceptions, usually for Native American Religious purposes: some are specific and some general. Regardless of which ones we are talking about they usually are wrapped up in what is religious and what is Native American. I am not sure, perhaps someone better versed in religious law than I on this site can say, but if you routinely charge a fixed price for an event is it still protected under the "religious" label? I do not Know.

The second deals with what it is to be a Native American. My family always thought they were Indians and its how we refer to our selves. In fact a number of years ago a mixed bunch of us we sitting around and one fellow raised the question about how do you Native Americans White people wearing beads and feathers. A full blooded Pomo fellow said, "Aren't you a Native American, isn't so and so, and isn't he pointing to me. I replied, "Nope, I'm and Indian but I'm not a Native American" I wasn't born in this country and am a US Citizen by Congressional Mandate. The fellow was a little confuse, and I pulled out my BIA and Tribal enrollment cards.

Some 50 to 55 years ago when I was much much younger I did the pow wow circuit: danced, drummed, took part in healing and other religious ceremonies. I carried a loose leave binder every where I went with copies of my tribal affiliation, any and all papers dealing with the acquisition of feathers, particularly the ones dealing with raptor feathers and parts, all federal permits for such. Keep in mind the laws were not quite as all encompassing as they are now, but I didn't look all that Indian.

Which segues into the next thing, what it is to be Indigenous, First, Native, Indian?

In the United States it's is up to the individual tribes to decide. Each and every tribe has its own standard of tribal membership. Usually it has to do with some amount of verifiable blood linage, this can be as little as 1/16th. It is up to the tribe. Mexico, however, has National standards which are incredibly rigid and much more limiting than the U.S. laws.

You see the problems. So yes, in the absence of proper documentation they broke US Law. Before carrying on about Constitutional rights, probable cause and the whole magilla, understand that by crossing the boarder you have presented probable cause. The same applies to Fish and Game laws, only more so.

Raeanna Perez

They SHOULD be compensated. End of story.