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Tribal Leader Retracts ICE Arrest Claims, Tensions Rise

1/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Frank Star Comes Out, president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, retracted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests of tribal members, saying they were misinterpreted.
The Department of Homeland Security denied any arrests or requests for an immigration agreement with the tribe.
Tensions with DHS have a history, including remarks by Kristi Noem (former South Dakota Governor) about reservations.
Some Native tribes are reconsidering agreements with immigration agencies amid backlash over detention contracts.

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Story summary

Frank Star Comes Out, president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, retracted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests of tribal members, saying they were misinterpreted.
The Department of Homeland Security denied any arrests or requests for an immigration agreement with the tribe.
Tensions with DHS have a history, including remarks by Kristi Noem (former South Dakota Governor) about reservations.
Some Native tribes are reconsidering agreements with immigration agencies amid backlash over detention contracts.