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Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Abandons ICE Detention Contract

12/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Kansas abandoned a $30 million federal contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to design immigrant detention centers after online backlash.
The decision followed the firing of the economic development leaders who brokered the deal.
Tribal Chairman Joseph Rupnick noted that reservations were early detention centers in Native history.
The tribe has divested from the contract.
KPB Services LLC still holds the contract.

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Story summary

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Kansas abandoned a $30 million federal contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to design immigrant detention centers after online backlash.
The decision followed the firing of the economic development leaders who brokered the deal.
Tribal Chairman Joseph Rupnick noted that reservations were early detention centers in Native history.
The tribe has divested from the contract.
KPB Services LLC still holds the contract.