A recent controversy has rocked the Oneida Nation, highlighting the complex relationship between tribal sovereignty and business ventures. The issue? A series of contracts with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, which sparked a fierce backlash from tribal members.
On January 2nd, Oneida Chairman Tehassi Hill took to social media to address the situation. He revealed that he and the tribal council were unaware of the $6 million-plus contracts between ICE and the tribe's subsidiary, Oneida Engineering, Science and Construction Group (Oneida ESC), until after they were signed. Hill expressed his deep disappointment, stating that the business deal did not align with the tribe's values and that the Oneida Nation Business Committee would never have approved such an arrangement.
But here's where it gets controversial... The CEO of Oneida ESC, Jeff House, also apologized for his role in approving the contracts. He called it a "huge mistake" and is now working to cancel the agreements. House explained that the December 26th contract with ICE was intended for facility inspections to ensure humane standards, but he admitted to not fully understanding the implications of the deal.
The Federal Procurement Data System confirms that Oneida-Stantec JV LLC (OESC Group) was awarded two contracts by ICE, totaling $6.3 million. The first contract, worth $2.6 million, was awarded in September, while the second, valued at $3.7 million, was signed in December.
This isn't the first time a tribal nation has faced criticism for its dealings with ICE. In December, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation of Kansas found itself in a similar situation after entering into a $30 million contract with the agency. Popular Indian Country activist and actor Dallas Goldtooth spoke out against the deal, emphasizing the importance of aligning economic development with Indigenous values and human dignity.
In response to the outcry, Prairie Band officials took action, firing the senior members of the tribe's LLC who had made the contract with ICE. Potawatomi tribal officials later announced that they had successfully canceled the agreement.
Oneida officials have faced strong opposition from tribal members, with hundreds speaking out against the contracts. Rebecca Webster, a former Oneida Nation attorney, expressed her disbelief on social media, stating that the contracts reflected a clear misalignment with the values expected of elected officials. Others pointed out that ICE often targets Indigenous people from Turtle Island (North America), including those from Mexico and Central America.
The situation has drawn attention to the sensitive issue of racial profiling by ICE agents, who, in some cases, have detained tribal members from reservations. These incidents have sparked anger within Indian Country, as the arrested individuals are descendants of the first people to inhabit what is now the United States, with ancestral roots dating back at least 10,000 years. In contrast, ICE agents typically trace their ancestry to more recent generations.
In an effort to address the controversy, the Oneida Business Committee passed a resolution to clarify the tribe's position. Chairman Hill stated that the resolution was a step towards ensuring that the tribe's employees, representatives, businesses, and corporations align with its core values. The committee will consider further measures to prevent future misalignment, guided by the 'Good Mind Principles.'
On Friday, the Oneida Business Committee took decisive action, firing the OESC's board of managers and appointing Debra Powless, the Oneida Nation's director of commerce development, as an interim manager.
This story serves as a reminder of the delicate balance tribal nations must strike between economic development and upholding their cultural values and sovereignty. It also raises important questions about the role of Indigenous communities in the context of immigration enforcement and racial profiling. What are your thoughts on this complex issue? Feel free to share your opinions and engage in a respectful discussion in the comments below!
