Buffalo's Fire Sections

Safety &Justice

Public safety, law enforcement, tribal justice systems, and court cases affecting Native communities.
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Explainer

No body, no crime? How prosecutors prove murder when a victim is missing

While proving a homicide without remains can be a challenge, conviction rates are high
Jolan Kruse
Tribal Response
MMIP groups and tribal councils condemn violence by federal law enforcement
North and South Dakota tribes issue joint statement
By Jolan Kruse
Armed Federal Agents on Park Avenue in Minneapolis
Fatal Incident
Standing Rock man assaulted hours before death by train
Hoksila Running Bear was struck by a train following months of threats. His mother seeks answers
By Jolan Kruse
Brittney Rough Surface and grand daughter
Police Misconduct
Chief deputy charged with unlawful arrests of Spirit Lake citizens to make court appearance Jan. 16
Travis Carlson was arrested in July following an investigation into the Benson County Sheriff’s Office
By Jolan Kruse
Benson County Deputy Chief Travis Carlson
Justice
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe distances itself from former chair’s endorsement of Kristi Noem
Following recent immigration actions by ICE, Chairman Sitting Bear emphasizes Janet Alkire’s support for former South Dakota governor was solely her own
By Brian Bull
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Justice
Native leaders in North Dakota urge use of tribal IDs, denounce ICE tactics
At least five Native people have been reportedly detained in Minneapolis by immigration authorities
Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor
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Justice
Minneapolis Native community gathers in prayer after intense week of ICE activity
NDN Collective founder calls for tribal nations to work with city and state partners to ban ICE
By Darren Thompson
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Security
FBI investigating two weekend murders on North Dakota reservations
Suspects apprehended in both cases
By Jolan Kruse
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Community Organizing
Minneapolis Indigenous community organizes around ICE activity
‘We are under attack right now from our federal government’
By Darren Thompson
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Year in Review
Reporters’ Notebook: The year that was
Buffalo’s Fire reporters reflect on their biggest stories of 2025
By Buffalo's Fire
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Regulation
He Spent Funds Meant for Native Hawaiians on Polo and Porsches. The Federal Government Failed to Stop Him.
This article was produced for ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network in partnership with Honolulu Civil Beat
Nick Grube, ProPublica
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Exclusive
‘How do I have an ICE hold, when I'm Native American?’
Leticia Jacobo speaks out after family and community rally to prevent her deportation
By Brian Bull
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Stolen Children
Nearly forgotten: The Puyallup boy buried 2,700 miles from home
How discovering Edward Spot in a boarding school cemetery opened old family wounds — and ignited a mission to bring him home
By Frank Hopper
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Justice Denied
Native community calls for return of MMIP report
Not One More report scrubbed from DOJ’s website shortly after President Trump took office
By Jolan Kruse
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Criminal Justice
South Dakota legislators to consider prison proposal
With crime rates dropping, a Native lawmaker is concerned over priorities
By Brian Bull
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Emergency Preparedness
Red Thread Network provides a template for what to do if a loved one goes missing
Tyler Rambeau provides emergency services guides
By Jolan Kruse
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Healing Journey
Conference addresses gender-based violence in Native communities
Attendees join in solidarity to build path toward healing
By Jolan Kruse
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Budget Battle
Funding for tribal services threatened by ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
Carmen O’Leary fights to help Indigenous survivors of violence amid budget cuts
By Jolan Kruse
Carmen O’Leary
Rising Voices
Tribal judge aims to Indigenize the bench
Megan Treuer’s plan to improve Native justice is being realized with help of Bush Fellowship
By Brian Bull
Megan Treuer
NCAI
Inside the NCAI Mid Year Conference: What we saw, heard and ran to cover
From early-morning strategy sessions to last-minute resolution edits, the Buffalo’s Fire and IMFA team hit the ground to report on the priorities shaping Indian Country
By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.
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Transit access
Largest tribal transit station in Minnesota under construction on White Earth Reservation
Tribal leaders break ground on long-awaited transit facility aimed at safer, more connected communities
By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
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