A Mexican national who was living in the United States illegally tried to use a "tribal" card issued by the Pembina Indian Nation Little Shell Band to re-enter the country.

Hugo Ramirez was arrested at the Miami airport when he presented his membership card. He was subsequently deported.

Ramirez is among thousands of people who have paid $1,500 to join the Pembina group, NBC6 News reported. "They told us to tell them we were Native Americans from Pembina Nation Little Shell," the man said.

The Pembina group, which is not affiliated with the Little Shell Chippewa, a legitimate tribe from Montana, has been linked to legal scams across the country.

Get the Story:
Citizenship For Sale Follow-Up (NBC6 11/30)

Relevant Links:
Little Shell Pembina Band - http://www.littleshellpembinaband.com

Related Stories:
Woman in custody fight claims Chippewa heritage (03/21)
Man in dispute with county linked to Pembina tribe (11/08)
Man claims Indian heritage blocks county action (11/3)
Judge threatens Chippewa group with contempt (05/20)