The president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe is calling for the immediate release of tribal members detained by ICE agents in Minneapolis. Three out of the four tribal members arrested have been transferred to an ICE facility at Fort Snelling, with one released from detention. The tribe has asserted that tribal members are not subject to immigration jurisdiction and has refused to enter an agreement with ICE. Concerns are raised due to the history of Fort Snelling and previous incidents of ICE detaining tribal members.
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The president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe is demanding the immediate release of three tribal members detained by ICE agents in Minneapolis and transferred to an ICE facility. The tribe asserts that its members are U.S. citizens and outside immigration jurisdiction. Homeland Security has been unwilling to provide information about the detentions unless the tribe enters an immigration agreement with ICE, which it refuses to do. The detentions highlight a broader pattern of ICE targeting of tribal members, prompting some tribes to take measures like providing tribal ID cards.
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The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation has withdrawn from a nearly $30 million federal contract with ICE to design immigrant detention centers following online backlash.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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Johnathon Carlson, a Red Lake tribal citizen, received two citations in Georgia for speeding and displaying an allegedly invalid tribal license plate. Crisp County Sheriff’s deputies claimed the Red Lake Nation plates were “fake,” despite Carlson’s assertion of prior acceptance. While Georgia recognizes plates from other states and countries, it lacks an agreement with Red Lake Nation, a position disputed by Red Lake’s attorney who cites Minnesota’s acceptance and relevant federal law. Carlson removed his plates to avoid further complications and plans to attend a May court date.
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Idaho recently passed a bill restricting the types of flags that can be flown on government property, sparking debate and prompting a unique response from Boise. The law specifically outlines permitted flags, including the US flag, state flags, military branch flags, the POW/MIA flag, and flags of Idaho’s colleges, universities, and public schools, in addition to those of Indian tribes and foreign nations on special occasions. This limited list immediately raised concerns about the exclusion of flags representing various social and political groups.
The perceived narrow scope of permitted flags led to criticism, with some arguing that the bill effectively excludes representation for minority groups.… Continue reading
Increased ICE activity has prompted serious concerns among urban Indigenous communities, particularly the Navajo Nation, regarding the detention of tribal members despite possession of tribal identification. Reports of detentions and questioning have led to calls for emergency protocols and legislative action to address the lack of recognition of tribal identification by ICE agents. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, while acknowledging the concerns, has stated that his office is still verifying reported cases before issuing an executive order, a position that has drawn criticism from tribal council members. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and recognition, particularly concerning the misinterpretation of historical legal precedent regarding Indigenous citizenship. This issue also underscores the need for improved tribal identification systems and increased legal support for affected individuals.
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Increased ICE activity has prompted concerns among urban Indigenous communities, particularly the Navajo Nation, regarding the detention of tribal members despite possessing tribal and state identification. Navajo leaders report numerous instances of questioning and detention, highlighting the lack of recognition of tribal documentation by ICE agents. While President Nygren’s office is gathering information and contacting relevant authorities, the Navajo Nation Council criticizes this reactive approach and advocates for immediate emergency legislation to support affected individuals and improve tribal identification systems. This legislation would encompass resources such as a toll-free hotline and legal aid, emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration between tribal, state, and federal entities. The situation underscores the vulnerability of Indigenous communities to immigration enforcement and the ongoing struggle for recognition of tribal sovereignty.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
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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