Detention of Oglala Sioux Tribe Members Raises Concerns Over Indigenous Sovereignty

On January 8, 2026, four members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe were reportedly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The men were living under a bridge near the Little Earth of United Tribes housing complex. The incident occurred amid heightened federal immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities, which has prompted local leaders to pursue legal action against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The detentions followed a recent fatal shooting of a Native American individual by an ICE officer, further intensifying scrutiny of ICE's activities in the area.

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As of January 13, 2026, the whereabouts of three of the four detained Oglala Sioux members remain unclear, although they have been transferred to an ICE facility at Fort Snelling. The Oglala Sioux Tribe President, Frank Star Comes Out, has publicly demanded their release and criticized the federal government's actions, asserting that tribal citizens are not subject to immigration laws. One individual, identified as Jose Roberto “Beto” Ramirez from the Red Lake Nation, was detained but released the same day.

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In a memorandum to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, President Star Comes Out emphasized that "tribal citizens are not aliens" and are "categorically outside immigration jurisdiction." He criticized the lack of transparency from DHS, which provided only limited information about the detained individuals. Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan condemned the detentions, stating, “The obvious racial profiling happening to our community is disgraceful.” The Minnesota Native American Caucus also issued a statement denouncing the actions of federal agents, highlighting the historical presence of Native peoples in the U.S. and asserting that deportation of tribal members is "impossible and absurd."

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Critics argue that the detentions represent a direct assault on Indigenous sovereignty and due process. The Native American Rights Fund has pointed out that since 1924, federal law has guaranteed citizenship to Native Americans born in the U.S., making their detention by ICE unlawful. Additionally, local Indigenous leaders have expressed concerns about the historical context of Fort Snelling, which has a legacy of anti-Indigenous actions, further complicating the situation for the detained individuals.

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There are discrepancies regarding the number of individuals detained and their current status. While three members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe are confirmed to be in ICE custody, the exact circumstances surrounding their detention remain unclear. Furthermore, the tribe's request for a meeting with federal authorities has not been addressed, raising questions about the government's willingness to engage with tribal leadership.

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• “Snatching a Native person off the street is not a reckless mistake — it’s a direct assault on Indigenous sovereignty and due process.” — Frank Star Comes Out, President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe

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• “Native peoples are Indigenous to this country, existing on this continent for thousands of years before the colonization of this nation — rendering deportation impossible and absurd.” — Minnesota Native American Caucus Statement

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This situation continues to unfold, with calls for accountability and clarity from federal authorities regarding the treatment of Indigenous individuals in immigration enforcement actions.

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