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Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Cancels Controversial ICE Contract

12/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation faces backlash after signing a nearly $30 million contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to design immigrant detention centers.
The contract was awarded without competitive bidding, raising concerns about procurement transparency.
Tribal Chairman Joseph Rupnick says the tribe will terminate the contract amid criticism.
Critics say the deal echoes past traumas and led to the dismissal of economic development leaders.

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Story summary

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation faces backlash after signing a nearly $30 million contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to design immigrant detention centers.
The contract was awarded without competitive bidding, raising concerns about procurement transparency.
Tribal Chairman Joseph Rupnick says the tribe will terminate the contract amid criticism.
Critics say the deal echoes past traumas and led to the dismissal of economic development leaders.