Frank Star Comes Out, the president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, has revised previous claims regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions against tribal members. Earlier this week, Star Comes Out alleged that four tribal members were arrested in Minneapolis. He also suggested that federal officials sought an immigration agreement with the tribe in exchange for information about these arrests.
Department of Homeland Security Disputes Claims
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has refuted these allegations. A spokesperson stated that they could not verify any arrests of Oglala Sioux members by ICE. Furthermore, DHS denied requesting any form of agreement from the tribe.
Clarification from Tribal Leadership
Following the initial outcry, Star Comes Out issued an updated memo on Thursday. He indicated that his earlier statements might have been misinterpreted. He clarified that the tribe’s communication with federal officials had been cooperative. Although DHS mentioned the possibility of an immigration agreement allowing easier access to information, they did not demand such an agreement.
Context of the Recent Claims
The controversy around ICE actions comes amid heightened concerns among Native Americans regarding immigration enforcement. The recent claims by Star Comes Out emerged during a period of social tension in Minneapolis, where ICE has been conducting extensive operations. This situation has prompted protests from local residents and activists.
Historical Tensions and Recent Incidents
Concerns regarding federal enforcement on reservations are not new. Last year, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren alerted members about reported arrests by ICE in Arizona and New Mexico. Additionally, individual stories of Native Americans being detained have surfaced across various states, highlighting an ongoing issue of racial profiling.
- Last November, actress Elaine Miles reported an encounter with ICE in Washington, where her tribal ID was questioned.
- A Salt River Pima-Maricopa community member was mistakenly detained and almost handed to ICE in Iowa.
Revision of Tribal Relations with Federal Agencies
Frank Star Comes Out’s leadership has not been without controversy. In 2024, he publicly banned South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem from the Pine Ridge Reservation after she made unfounded claims regarding drug cartels on reservations. Star Comes Out expressed deep offense at Noem’s remarks, particularly regarding their relationship to the Oglala Sioux culture.
Reevaluation of Federal Contracts by Other Tribes
This current tension comes amid a broader reevaluation of relationships between Native American tribes and federal immigration agencies. Some tribes have reconsidered their agreements with the DHS. For example, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation recently ended a significant federal contract related to immigrant detention facilities due to backlash from tribal members.
As the situation evolves, the Oglala Sioux Tribe and others continue to navigate the complexities of their relationships with federal immigration enforcement, amid growing advocacy for the rights and dignities of Native peoples.
