Oneida Nation Ends ICE Contracts Amid Backlash

The Oneida Nation recently faced significant backlash from its community after it was revealed that contracts had been established with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This announcement prompted a public apology from tribal leaders, including Chairman Tehassi Hill.

Details of the ICE Contracts

In a social media broadcast on January 2, 2023, Hill disclosed that the tribal council only became aware of the contracts on December 29, 2022. The contracts were linked to Oneida Engineering, Science and Construction Group, a subsidiary of the tribe.

Statements from Leadership

Chairman Hill expressed disappointment upon learning about the contracts. He noted that the business venture does not align with Oneida values, adding that the Oneida Nation Business Committee would not have pursued such agreements had they known. The committee oversees businesses but does not handle daily operations.

Jeff House, CEO of Oneida ESC, also issued an apology for approving the contracts. He described the December 26 deal as an inspection agreement aimed at ensuring humane standards at facilities. House emphasized that although he disapproves of ICE’s activities, he believed the contract would promote humane treatment for immigrants.

Contract Overview

The Federal Procurement Data System indicates that Oneida-Stantec JV LLC (OESC Group) was awarded two significant contracts by ICE: a $2.6 million contract on September 19 and a $3.7 million contract on December 26. These were primarily for engineering and technical services as well as maintenance for government facilities.

Community Response and Comparison

The Oneida Nation has experienced vocal opposition from hundreds of its members in response to the contracts. Many tribal members, including former attorney Rebecca Webster, expressed concern about the misalignment with the nation’s values. The situation echoed a recent controversy involving the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, which also faced backlash for entering into a contract with ICE.

• Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation: Faced similar issues with a nearly $30 million ICE contract.
• Community Reactions: Members voiced anger about ICE targeting Indigenous people.
• Historical Context: Incidents of ICE detaining tribal members have occurred, raising racial profiling concerns.

Future Actions from Oneida Nation

In light of the backlash, the Oneida Business Committee passed a resolution to clarify the tribe’s position. Hill stated that the resolution marks the beginning of efforts to ensure that business practices align with the tribe’s core values. Additionally, the committee took decisive action by appointing Debra Powless as the interim manager of OESC.

The controversy has sparked discussions surrounding the values of economic deals. Many tribal members are advocating for strategies that prioritize Indigenous philosophy and human dignity over profit. The Oneida Nation aims to align future contracts with its ethical standards and commitments.