Oglala Sioux Tribe Reports Three Members Detained by ICE in Minneapolis
The Oglala Sioux Tribe has reported that three of its members were detained by ICE agents in Minneapolis last week. President Frank Star Comes Out urged for their immediate release, emphasizing that tribal members are U.S. citizens and should not be subject to immigration laws.
Details of the Detention Incident
The members were arrested at a homeless encampment on Friday and later transferred to an ICE facility at Fort Snelling. A fourth member has since been released. The circumstances leading to the arrests remain unclear, as the tribe has only been given first names of the detained individuals.
Response from Tribal Leadership
- Frank Star Comes Out criticized the denial of information from Homeland Security.
- He stated that the tribe does not intend to enter into an immigration agreement with ICE.
- The memorandum pointed out that enrolled tribal members are citizens by treaty and statutory laws.
Historical Context of Fort Snelling
Fort Snelling has a controversial past involving Indigenous peoples. It was the first military post in the area, where Dakota individuals were held during the Dakota War of 1862. Nick Estes, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota, highlighted the facility’s anti-Indigenous history.
Broader Implications
This incident is not isolated. Recent months have seen a rise in similar detentions of tribal members across different states. Reports from the Navajo Nation and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community illustrate a growing trend of tribal citizens facing immigration enforcement.
Community Actions and Support
In light of these actions, Indigenous rights groups have established support systems in Minneapolis. These include services for tribal citizens to obtain tribal ID cards, intended to provide proof of identity should they encounter ICE agents.
- Mary LaGarde, director of the Minneapolis American Indian Center, emphasized the importance of proper identification.
- Community leaders encourage tribal citizens to remain calm and to carry identification.
The Oglala Sioux Tribe continues to push for the release of its members and advocates for the rights and recognition of tribal citizenship in face of federal immigration actions.
