The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation has made headlines after dismissing a federal contract worth almost $30 million that involved the development of preliminary designs for immigrant detention centers, a decision announced on Wednesday. This move comes on the heels of a wave of public outcry from Indigenous communities and allies outraged by the prospect of a Native American tribe contributing to modern-day deportation efforts.
Over the last week, the tribe’s economic development leaders who had initially brokered the deal with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were terminated, reflecting the internal consequences of the backlash. This controversy is particularly poignant as many individuals affected by ICE raids are members of Native communities, prompting outrage and labeling the contract as “disgusting” and “cruel” across social media platforms. The community's frustration stems from the tragic historical parallels, as the Prairie Band Potawatomi's ancestors were forcibly removed from their land, making participation in the current immigrant detention ecosystem seem profoundly hypocritical.
Tribal Chairman Joseph “Zeke” Rupnick highlighted these historical issues in a recent video statement where he recognized reservations as early forms of detention centers. Following the recent developments, Rupnick expressed his satisfaction over the tribe's decision to divest from all third-party affiliations with ICE and emphasized the tribe’s commitment to ensuring that its economic interests align with its core values moving forward.
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation operates diverse businesses including health care, contract management, and interior design. Looking ahead, tribal officials are set to convene in January to discuss how to safeguard their values against future economic pursuits. The tribe's principled exit from the ICE contract showcases its strong commitment to the ethical treatment of all individuals, particularly within marginalized communities.
