The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Kansas is facing criticism from other tribal groups after its economic development subsidiary secured a $29.9 million federal contract from the Department of Homeland Security to design potential ICE detention facilities. The contract, signed in October, has drawn backlash for its perceived connection to historical forced relocations, as the tribe was moved from the Great Lakes region to Kansas in the 1830s.
Tribal chair Joseph “Zeke” Rupnick confirmed in a video statement Friday that KPB Services, a subsidiary of Prairie Band LLC, signed the contract. Rupnick apologized for the “concern, frustration, and confusion” the deal caused and said the tribe is exploring options to exit the agreement. He acknowledged the painful historical context, noting that Indian reservations were the government’s first attempts at detention centers, and questioned why the tribe would participate in a process that mirrors past trauma.
The tribe reported that it fired the economic development leaders who brokered the contract. Some tribal members expressed strong feelings of betrayal. Ray Rice, 74, said members were blindsided by the agreement and now feel the tribe is seen as “traitors and treasonous to another race of people.” Carole Cadue-Blackwood, a member of the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas with Potawatomi ancestry, also condemned the deal, citing her work against an ICE detention center in Leavenworth.
In response, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and Prairie Band LLC issued a statement acknowledging that the DHS contract does not align with the tribe’s principles and pledged to ensure future engagements align with their values. Questions have also arisen about why the subsidiary was selected for the $29.9 million government contract without competing, as sole-source contracts above $30 million typically require extra justification under federal rules.
KPB Services was registered in April by Prairie Band LLC executive vice-president Ernest Woodward, a former naval officer and Miami Tribe of Oklahoma member who advises tribes and affiliated companies on federal contracts. The company is reportedly positioning itself for more government contracts. Other tribal groups, including Alaska Native corporations, have also received contracts for detention facility operations, guard services, and border patrol support.
These arrangements provide crucial revenue to tribes facing economic pressure from decreased federal funding, fewer reservation visitors, inflation, and competition from online gambling. However, critics argue the work may conflict with cultural values, particularly given the history of Native Americans being detained during ICE immigration sweeps. Cases of tribal members experiencing traumatic encounters with federal agents have been reported across the country.
Rupnick emphasized that withdrawing from the DHS agreement could risk future government contracts but is necessary to uphold tribal values. “Those who are veterans, like myself, understand that working with the government sometimes puts you in positions that go against your values,” he said. “Our LLC works with the government too, but unlike the military, we can say no. Saying no comes with consequences, including the potential for fewer future contracts, but our values must guide us first and foremost.”
