Imagine being a citizen of your country, yet treated as an alien by your own government. This alarming scenario is unfolding for three members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, who were recently arrested in Minneapolis by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Despite being enrolled tribal members and statutory U.S. citizens, they are now held in an ICE facility at Fort Snelling, a site with a deeply troubling history for Indigenous people. Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out forcefully declared that “tribal citizens are not aliens” and fall “categorically outside immigration jurisdiction.” However, federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security, have reportedly refused to release more information without an immigration agreement, a condition the tribe rejects. The detained individuals, who are experiencing homelessness, highlight a vulnerable population facing an unexpected challenge to their established rights. Their detention at Fort Snelling, known for its notorious anti-Indigenous history, adds a dramatic layer, echoing past injustices and the “monopoly of violence” as one expert described it. Disturbingly, this isn’t an isolated incident; other tribal members across states have faced similar stops and detentions by ICE, some even mistakenly scheduled for deportation. In response, Indigenous rights groups are actively establishing resources, like tribal ID card centers, to help members assert their identity when confronted by federal agents. To stay informed on critical issues like tribal sovereignty and human rights, be sure to subscribe to our channel for more in-depth reporting.
Follow us on social media:
– X: @BollyMirch
– Instagram: @bollymirch
📱 Tags & Keywords:
#oglalasiouxtribe #icedetention #tribalmembers #fortsnelling #frankstarcomesout #indigenousrights #uscitizens #minneapolis #immigrationjurisdiction #nativeamerican
About the Author
