Southern Ute Tribe denies agreement with ICE on detention center

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has denied reports that it agreed to allow a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center on its reservation, according to Native News Online. In a press conference Tuesday, Tribal leaders said no agreement exists and clarified that any future consideration would require Tribal Council approval.

The clarification followed a Washington Post article citing a planning document that listed the Tribe’s land as a potential facility site. Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, told the Washington Post the document was created by ICE but is outdated and unapproved. The Tribe stated it was not notified or consulted before the information was released and emphasized its commitment to protecting its members and upholding sovereignty.