The Department of Interior's inspector general is investigating abuse, including deaths, within the Bureau of Indian Affairs prison system.

Investigators have visited several prisons as part of their review. It was spurred, in part, by a videotape made by a retired BIA law enforcement official who said higher-ups in Washington, D.C., were ignoring his requests to clean up the system.

"I knew we couldn't continue to hold (prisoners) in these kinds of conditions," Ed Naranjo told USA Today.

Assistant secretary Dave Anderson created a task force to address the concerns. Naranjo says more federal funding is the only real solution.

Department of Justice reports for the past four years have shown that tribal jails are understaffed and are operating far beyond capacity.

The Bush administration cut funds for tribal jails in previous years. The fiscal year 2005 budget includes $6 million but this was offset by a reduction in Department of Justice funds for tribal jails.

Get the Story:
Federal investigators probe tribal prison deaths (USA Today 5/21)
Former BIA official urged prison fixes (USA Today 5/21)

Indian Country Jail Reports:
Year 2002 | Year 2001 | Year 2000 | Years 1998-1999

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