Full Breakdown
Oneida Nation Moves to Cancel ICE Contracts Amid Backlash
1/3/2026, 8:05:17 PM
Overview of the Controversy
The Oneida Nation is taking steps to terminate contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following significant backlash from tribal members. The contracts, totaling over $6 million, were awarded to the Oneida Engineering, Science, and Construction Group (OESC) without the knowledge of tribal leadership. Oneida Nation Chairman Tehassi Hill expressed his dismay upon learning of the agreements, stating they do not align with the tribe's values.
Key Developments
On January 2, 2026, Chairman Hill announced that the Oneida Business Committee was unaware of the contracts until December 29. He described the situation as a "huge mistake" and emphasized that the committee would never have approved such agreements. The contracts included a $2.6 million award on September 19 and a $3.9 million contract on December 26 for inspection and maintenance services related to ICE facilities.
Jeff House, CEO of OESC, also apologized for the oversight, asserting that the intention behind the contracts was to ensure humane treatment of detainees. He stated, “I don’t approve of what ICE is doing, but I thought the contract would ensure immigrants were being treated properly.” However, he acknowledged the need for better oversight and is now focused on canceling the December contract.
Tribal Response and Actions
The backlash from tribal members has been vocal, with many expressing that the contracts contradict the Oneida Nation's principles. Tribal member Rebecca Webster criticized the decision, stating, “This reflects a clear misalignment with the values I expect our elected officials to uphold.” In response to the controversy, the Oneida Business Committee has passed a resolution banning future contracts with ICE across all tribal entities.
Additionally, the committee replaced the board of managers for OESC with interim manager Debra Powless, aiming to restore trust and ensure alignment with tribal values. Hill noted that the committee will implement further measures to prevent similar issues in the future, including quarterly meetings with tribal leadership to review projects.
Broader Implications
This incident is not isolated; it reflects a growing concern among Native American tribes regarding contracts with ICE. The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation faced similar backlash in December 2025, leading to the cancellation of a nearly $30 million contract. Activists argue that such agreements undermine Indigenous values and the historical context of government actions against Native peoples.
Official Statements & Responses
In a formal statement, Hill remarked, “Passing this resolution is an initial step to implementing clarity about the Nation’s expectations that our employees, representatives, businesses, and tribal corporations align with our core values.” House reiterated his commitment to resolving the situation and ensuring that future contracts reflect the tribe's principles.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Oneida Nation is actively working to cancel the contracts, the timeline for termination remains unclear. House indicated that he is gathering more information on the September contract, which complicates the situation further. There is also a discrepancy regarding the origins of the contracts, with House suggesting that the September contract may have been initiated under the Biden Administration, although it was signed later.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was very upset when I learned about this,” — Tehassi Hill, Oneida Nation Chairman
- “If I may offer an apology. Mr. Chairman, Oneida Nation, I deeply apologize,” — Jeff House, CEO of Oneida ESC Group
- “So, you’re selling out our values if you think it’s okay to have your hand in anything to do with ICE, anything that benefits ICE, and anything that would destroy families, that’s not our values,” — Gina Powless-Buenrostro, Oneida Nation member
As the Oneida Nation navigates this complex situation, tribal leaders and members remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of aligning business practices with their cultural values.
