The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation of Kansas has opted to terminate a significant federal contract valued at nearly $30 million, aimed at developing preliminary designs for immigrant detention centers. This decision follows a wave of criticism from various stakeholders, including members of the Native American community, who expressed concerns about the cruel nature of such facilities and the historical injustices faced by Indigenous populations.
Tribal Chairman Joseph Zeke Rupnick made the announcement Wednesday, a week after the economic development leaders who secured the contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were dismissed, further highlighting internal conflicts within the tribe. Rupnick acknowledged the troubling implications of participating in immigrant detainment practices, particularly as many Native Americans have been affected by ICE raids.
During a video address last week, Rupnick pointed out that reservations were originally part of the government’s early attempts at creating detention centers for Native Americans, drawing a parallel between historical and contemporary issues faced by marginalized communities.
The tribe's decision came as ICE faced public scrutiny for its policies, which many view as aggressive and racially biased, particularly against communities of color, including Native Americans. Historical trauma from forced relocations and detention practices against Indigenous peoples made the contract particularly contentious.
The tribally affiliated company, KPB Services LLC, had brokered the deal to provide due diligence and concept designs for the detention facilities, a move seen by many as contradictory to the tribe's values. Following the backlash, a spokesperson stated that while KPB Services still holds the contract, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation has divested from any involvement.
Critics have since called into question the ethics behind significant contracts like this, especially regarding how federal contracts are awarded without proper oversight or competition. The dispute raises broader issues about the responsibilities of Native American tribes in participating in federal initiatives that may conflict with their cultural values and historical experiences.
Moving forward, tribal officials are planning consultations in January to discuss how economic interests can align more closely with the values of the Nation, indicating a shift in approach to such agreements.
