Casino Stalker | Litigation

DOJ opposes delay for Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

The Department of Justice says opponents of the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino are trying to win a lawsuit by default even after losing a ruling in the case.

In March, a federal judge said the Bureau of Indian Affairs can place 54 acres in trust for the tribe. The city of Glendale and the Gila River Indian Community are trying to delay the ruling in order to appeal.

But government attorneys say opponents are pushing for a delay to let a new state law to take effect. The law will allow Glendale to annex the 54-acre site without the Tohono O'odham Nation's consent.

If that happens, the judge's ruling becomes moot. "Thus, the city would have effectively played one public interest against another all to the detriment of the Tohono O'odham Nation and the United States,'' Assistant United States Attorney Kristofor Swanson said in a court filing, Capitol Media Services reported.

Swanson said the BIA wants to place the land in trust and declare it a reservation by May 16.

Get the Story:
Feds seek to fast-track Indian casino near Glendale (Capitol Media Services 4/6)

District Court Decision:
Gila River Indian Community v. DOI (March 3, 2011)