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Nisqually Tribe Rejects ICE Detainee Housing Agreement

11/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Nisqually Tribe will not house detainees for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Chairman E.K. Choke said a staff member contacted ICE without Tribal Council approval.
The Nisqually Tribe operates its own correctional facility and maintains autonomy over detention.
Indigenous rights attorney Gabe Galanda notes tribes are not bound by state immigration laws.
The Tribal Council has no plans to enter into ICE agreements now or in the future.

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Story summary

The Nisqually Tribe will not house detainees for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Chairman E.K. Choke said a staff member contacted ICE without Tribal Council approval.
The Nisqually Tribe operates its own correctional facility and maintains autonomy over detention.
Indigenous rights attorney Gabe Galanda notes tribes are not bound by state immigration laws.
The Tribal Council has no plans to enter into ICE agreements now or in the future.