(Fort Washakie, WY) – On Thursday morning, August 28, a photo of a group of camouflage-clad law enforcement agents stopped on the side of the road in Fort Washakie began circulating on social media, sparking speculation that it depicted a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/National Guard operation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Denver Field Office, and the Eastern Shoshone Tribe all confirmed to County 10 Thursday afternoon that the reports were false.
The photograph depicts approximately 10-15 law enforcement agents and their vehicles on the side of the road, with the iconic Fort Washakie rock sign in the background.
The photo began to circulate on social media Thursday morning, prompting speculation and rumors that the group was involved in an ICE/National Guard operation.
This speculation is likely based on recent announcements that Governor Gordon approved the activation of Wyoming National Guard personnel to assist in ICE operations, as well as an assistance agreement between the Wyoming Highway Patrol and ICE.
Vikki Migoya of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Denver Field Office, issued the following statement in response to the rumors.
“FBI agents are currently conducting court-authorized law enforcement activities in and around the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming,” according to the FBI’s notification. “This is not related to immigration enforcement efforts.”
County 10 contacted representatives from the Eastern Shoshone Tribe, who confirmed the information.
“The Eastern Shoshone Tribe is aware of reports that ICE or the Wyoming National Guard may be in Fremont County.
According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Wind River Police Department, the FBI Safe Trails Task Force (STTF) is on the scene. “This is neither ICE nor the National Guard.”
