Oneida Nation apologizes, moves to cancel ICE contracts after backlash

Oneida Nation officials apologized and moved to cancel contracts between a tribal subsidiary and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after backlash from tribal members, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In a Jan. 2 video posted on social media, Oneida Chairman Tehassi Hill said he and the tribal council were unaware of the contracts until Dec. 29. “I was very upset when I learned about this,” Hill was quoted as saying, adding the business venture does not align with the nation’s values.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Oneida-Stantec JV LLC was awarded a $2.6 million contract by ICE on Sept. 19 and a $3.7 million contract on Dec. 26 for engineering, technical and facility maintenance services. Jeff House, CEO of Oneida Engineering, Science and Construction Group, apologized for approving the agreements and called the decision a mistake. Hill said the Oneida Business Committee passed a resolution clarifying expectations that tribal businesses align with core values and removed the subsidiary’s board, appointing Debra Powless as interim manager.