Oglala Sioux Tribe: Three Members Detained by ICE in Minneapolis
This week, the president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe called for the immediate release of three tribal members detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The arrests occurred at a homeless encampment last Friday. One of the detained members has since been released, while the other three have been transferred to an ICE facility at Fort Snelling.
Tribal President’s Statement
President Frank Star Comes Out issued a memorandum to federal immigration authorities. He emphasized that “tribal citizens are not aliens” and “are categorically outside immigration jurisdiction.” According to Star Comes Out, enrolled tribal members are citizens of the United States and also citizens of the Oglala Sioux Nation by treaty.
Details Surrounding the Detention
The circumstances leading to the members’ detention remain unclear. When the tribe contacted the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), they received minimal information, only the first names of those arrested. DHS indicated that further details would require the tribe to enter into an immigration agreement with ICE, which the Oglala Sioux Tribe has no intention of doing.
Calls for Government Accountability
In a Facebook post, Star Comes Out highlighted the difficult living conditions faced by the detained members, who were found homeless under a bridge in Minneapolis. He expressed the tribe’s demands for the release of all citizens held in ICE custody and called for a meeting with government representatives.
Historical Context of Fort Snelling
Fort Snelling, where the detainees are held, has a problematic history for Indigenous people. Historically, it served as a military outpost during the Dakota War of 1862, which resulted in the imprisonment of Dakota people. Nick Estes, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota, noted the facility’s notorious anti-Indigenous past.
Increasing Concerns Over ICE Detentions
This incident is not isolated. Recently, leaders from the Navajo Nation reported similar detentions of tribal citizens in the southwestern United States. In November, a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community was nearly deported due to an error following her arrest in Iowa. Another notable case involved actress Elaine Miles, who was erroneously stopped by ICE officers in Washington state due to concerns over the validity of her tribal ID.
Community Initiatives for Identification
To protect tribal members, various Indigenous rights groups have set up resources in Minneapolis. These initiatives provide tribal citizens with identification cards to present in situations involving ICE. Mary LaGarde, director of the Minneapolis American Indian Center, emphasized the importance of carrying legitimate identification to avoid unnecessary panic when approached by law enforcement.
- Tribe advocates for detained members’ release.
- Tribal citizens are considered protected under U.S. law.
- Fort Snelling has a historical context of oppression against Indigenous peoples.
- Increasing reports of ICE detentions among Native Americans.
- Community supports initiatives to ensure proper identification for tribal citizens.
