BAND ASSEMBLY PASSES RESOLUTION OPPOSING ICE ACTIVITY ON MILLE LACS BAND LANDS
By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor
On Friday, January 16, 2026, the Mille Lacs Band Assembly passed Resolution 22-01-04-26, formally opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity on Mille Lacs Band lands and requiring federal consultation before any such activity occurs.
The resolution comes in response to several concerning developments, including the increasing presence of ICE officers across Minnesota, the recent shooting death of Renee Good, and reports that four members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe were detained by ICE while in Minnesota. Band leadership is closely monitoring these events and their potential impact on Band members and tribal communities.
The Band Assembly expressed particular concern about how aggressive immigration enforcement affects Band members living in urban areas, where ICE activity has been more visible. The resolution recognizes that ICE operations on or near tribal lands can pose serious risks - including public safety concerns, strain on emergency services, economic disruption, and potential harm to sacred and culturally significant sites.
Mille Lacs Band lands include government offices, health clinics, schools, and cultural spaces that serve children, Elders, and families. The Assembly emphasized that these spaces must remain safe, secure, and free from disruptions that could threaten the well-being of the community.
Through this resolution, the Band Assembly:
• Condemns the increased presence of ICE officers in Minnesota and the use of aggressive enforcement tactics.
• Affirms its unity and solidarity with Urban Band members
• Opposes ICE enforcement activity on lands owned by the Band and its members.
• Demands early, meaningful, and respectful consultation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) before ICE enters reservation lands.
The Assembly also directed the Executive Branch to formally transmit the resolution to DHS, ICE, and other relevant federal and state agencies.
Resolution 22-01-04-26 was adopted at a regular session of the Band Assembly held on January 16, 2026, at Nay Ah Shing, Minnesota. The resolution passed unanimously, with a vote of 2 FOR, O AGAINST, O SILENT.