MAYETTA, Kan. (AP) — The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, whose ancestors faced forced removal from the Great Lakes region, is encountering backlash from fellow Native Americans over a recent contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to design immigrant detention centers.
The newly formed tribal business, KPB Services LLC, signed a nearly $30 million contract to create designs for these facilities, inciting outrage among tribal members who see this as a betrayal to their values and history. Tribal leadership claims to be seeking an exit from the agreement.
Critics question how KPB was awarded such a massive federal contract without competitive bidding, and the economic development leaders who facilitated the deal have already been terminated in response to the backlash. One tribal elder expressed disbelief, stating, We are known across the nation now as traitors and treasonous to another race of people.
Tribal Chairman Joseph Zeke Rupnick has promised transparency in the situation, explaining the tribe is discussing legal options to dissolve the contract. He narrated how their ancestors were forcibly relocated by the government and questioned why they would aid in the creation of facilities that mirror historical injustices.
The arrangement gained further scrutiny as ICE's deals with tribes surface in light of increased immigration raids. Observers note that some Native individuals have been caught up in these operations, raising ethical concerns over the participation of Indigenous groups in federal immigration actions.
Economic pressures resulting from declining federal funds and inflation are prompting tribes to explore alternative revenue sources, leading to partnerships that may conflict with their foundational values. The contract was initially granted for $19 million for logistical support without proper competitive validation, leading to heightened concerns regarding precedence and governmental transparency in federal contracting.
Responses from tribal leaders and community members highlight a complex dialogue surrounding native identity, historical trauma, and modern economic necessities as the Prairie Band Potawatomi navigate their challenging reality.
