The president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Frank Star Comes Out, recently walked back his earlier claims made in a memo about arrests of tribal members by immigration enforcement, indicating that his statements had been misinterpreted.
Initial claims stated that ICE detained four tribal members and pressured the tribe into an immigration agreement to access information regarding these individuals. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, however, stated that they cannot confirm any arrests of tribal members and denied requesting such agreements from the tribe.
Star Comes Out, who is reportedly in 'cooperative communications' with federal officials, has now clarified that there was no demand made and that the tribe is verifying reports about potential arrests of its members.
These developments come amidst broader concerns within Native American communities over immigration enforcement practices and the implications of engaging with federal immigration authorities. The Oglala Sioux Tribe's interactions with federal law enforcement have been historically fraught with tension, particularly during the previous administration's more aggressive immigration policies.
The controversy has led to discussions among various Native American tribes reconsidering their agreements with immigration agencies, highlighting a complex relationship shaped by history and current social issues.
