The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation has withdrawn from a nearly $30 million federal contract with ICE to design immigrant detention centers following online backlash. The deal, which drew criticism due to the tribe’s history and involvement in mass deportation efforts, led to the firing of economic development leaders and sparked internal reviews. The tribe had established KPB Services LLC, with Ernest C. Woodward Jr. as a key figure, to secure the contract, which was initially valued at $19 million and later increased to $29.9 million. While the tribe has divested from the project, details surrounding the selection process and the Tribal Council’s involvement remain unclear.
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The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation faces significant backlash from other Native Americans following the revelation of a nearly $30 million federal contract awarded to a tribal business entity for the design of immigrant detention centers. Critics condemn the tribe’s actions, citing historical parallels to their own forced removal and detention by the U.S. government. Tribal leaders are now seeking ways to end the contract and have fired the economic development leaders involved. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) dealings with tribes are facing increased scrutiny, especially as federal funding decreases, pressuring tribes to generate revenue.
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The Prairie Land Potawatomi Nation has regained 1,500 acres in Illinois—Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area—originally promised to Chief Shab-eh-nay in an 1829 treaty but later seized by the federal government. This land transfer, signed into law by Governor Pritzker, rectifies a historical injustice stemming from the tribe’s temporary absence and subsequent illegal sale of their land to settlers. While not the precise original acreage, the returned land remains open to the public as a park, continuing its recreational function. The tribe, led by Chairman Joseph “Zeke” Rupnick, plans future development, potentially including a hotel, to enhance the park’s amenities and economic opportunities.
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Kansas Tribe Cancels $30 Million ICE Deal After Public Outcry
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation has withdrawn from a nearly $30 million federal contract with ICE to design immigrant detention centers following online backlash. The deal, which drew criticism due to the tribe’s history and involvement in mass deportation efforts, led to the firing of economic development leaders and sparked internal reviews. The tribe had established KPB Services LLC, with Ernest C. Woodward Jr. as a key figure, to secure the contract, which was initially valued at $19 million and later increased to $29.9 million. While the tribe has divested from the project, details surrounding the selection process and the Tribal Council’s involvement remain unclear.
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Native American Tribe Faces Backlash Over Detention Center Design Contract
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation faces significant backlash from other Native Americans following the revelation of a nearly $30 million federal contract awarded to a tribal business entity for the design of immigrant detention centers. Critics condemn the tribe’s actions, citing historical parallels to their own forced removal and detention by the U.S. government. Tribal leaders are now seeking ways to end the contract and have fired the economic development leaders involved. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) dealings with tribes are facing increased scrutiny, especially as federal funding decreases, pressuring tribes to generate revenue.
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Illinois Returns Stolen Land to Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
The Prairie Land Potawatomi Nation has regained 1,500 acres in Illinois—Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area—originally promised to Chief Shab-eh-nay in an 1829 treaty but later seized by the federal government. This land transfer, signed into law by Governor Pritzker, rectifies a historical injustice stemming from the tribe’s temporary absence and subsequent illegal sale of their land to settlers. While not the precise original acreage, the returned land remains open to the public as a park, continuing its recreational function. The tribe, led by Chairman Joseph “Zeke” Rupnick, plans future development, potentially including a hotel, to enhance the park’s amenities and economic opportunities.
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