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Kumeyaay Border Task Force

The Kumeyaay Border Task Force (KBTF), is comprised of seven (7) federally recognized Kumeyaay/Diegueno Bands there are twelve (12) Kumeyaay/Diegueno Bands located in San Diego County whose aboriginal territory spans approximately seventy-five miles north and south of the current border that separates United State and Mexico.  In addition, five (5) Kumeyaay Bands are located in Baja California, Mexico.

The mission of KBTF is to address the long oversight of Baja Kumeyaay to continue the natural traversing of the international border without hindrance in order to afford Kumeyaay located on both sides of the border to protect and preserve the rich history and lifestyle of Kumeyaay for today and future generations.

During 1998, an opportunity arose from efforts of other tribal nations that desired to have tribal members residing in Mexico whose reservations are contiguous to the border.  For centuries the Kumeyaay aboriginal territory preceded the border known today that separates United States and Mexico, and aboriginal history similar to the Kumeyaay were located in Mexico. The Tohono O’dham Nation and Kickapoo Nation were the first Nations to address their historical issue and members residing in Mexico to be recognized as United States citizens through certain Congressional Bills submitted to Congress. This of course created a rise with the Immigration and Naturalization sub-committee for Congress led by Congressman Lamar Smith (Texas) held up the passage of the Tohono O’dham and Kickapoo Nations Bills until this sub-Committee could address all Tribal governments along the Southern borders. This was the start of consultation with all Southern Tribes/Bands located along the Border starting in 1998.

The Tribal government response to the government-to-government consultation triggered a series of consultation events (1998-2000) between the Immigration Naturalization Service (Department of Homeland Security post 9/11/2001), Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of Justice, Border Inspection Service, Mexican federal agencies, and tribal governments to learn how extensive the pass and re-pass problem is and the cultural detrimental impacts with all tribes located on the southern borders extending from Texas to California caused by certain federal laws aimed at curbing Immigration by Mexican immigrants and others from South American countries.

Kumeyaay in the meantime established by tribal government resolution and entity called Kumeyaay Border Task Force (KBTF) whose charge was to negotiate and implement a process once agreed to by all federal parties and Mexican federal officials, and with knowledge and support from Baja Kumeyaay. Also agreed to by Kumeyaay located in the United States and Baja Kumeyaay was to allow the Pai Pai communities to participate via KBTF.  This effort has continually been financially supported by the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.

For more information on Kumeyaay Border Task Force issues, please contact Louie Guassac at (619) 952-8430.