Press Article: Rosebud Sioux Tribe Declares State of Emergency Amid Escalating Crime
Rosebud, SD—In a decisive move to address escalating crime within its borders, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe has declared a public safety state of emergency on its reservation. This marks the tribe’s third such declaration in six years, driven by a surge in methamphetamine use, drug trafficking, and gun violence.
Tribal President Kathleen Wooden Knife stated that the emergency is largely due to "pervasive law and order and public health issues," which are threatening the health and safety of the community. The declaration, made on Tuesday, seeks additional law enforcement resources from federal agencies and calls for collaboration among the reservation’s 12 communities.
According to Lewis Good Voice Eagle, chief of staff to Wooden Knife, the reservation is home to just a dozen law enforcement officers, which is insufficient for the nearly 1 million-acre area spread across five counties. This staffing crisis has been exacerbated by budget cuts in 2016 and challenges in retaining officers, who often forgo benefits they would receive in other positions.
In past emergencies, federal assistance, including support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI, has been insufficient in tackling the issues. Good Voice Eagle emphasized that the shortage of law enforcement and legal expertise has created significant challenges for the community.
Crime rates on South Dakota’s Native American reservations have been a persistent concern, often straining relations with state officials. Tensions rose recently when former Governor Kristi Noem, now Homeland Security Secretary, faced backlash for allegations regarding tribal leaders and drug cartels, leading to her being banned from tribal lands.
As the Rosebud Sioux Tribe seeks urgent federal support to combat this crisis, they highlight the pressing need for effective law enforcement and public health solutions within their community.
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