Three Oklahoma tribes seek to join DOJ lawsuit over prosecution of Native citizens

January 28, 2025

The Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw nations are seeking to support the U.S. Department of Justice in lawsuits against two Oklahoma district attorneys, arguing the state lacks authority to prosecute Native Americans for crimes committed in Indian Country. The DOJ asserts such prosecutions violate federal Indian law, reaffirmed in the 2020 McGirt v. Oklahoma ruling. Tribal leaders say the district attorneys’ actions undermine tribal sovereignty and public safety.

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