A dispute over Public Law 280 could lead to more violence on the Soboba Reservation, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department warns.

The Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians is checking all law enforcement personnel who come to the reservation. The tribe wants to make sure that officers are going to the right place and have proper documents, Chairman Robert Salgado Sr. said.

But Sheriff Stanley Sniff said the policy prevents his officers from doing their jobs and could help suspects. He is also concerned that it affects the safety of the Soboba Casino, which the National Indian Gaming Commission will inspect this week.

Under Public Law 280, the state has criminal and civil jurisdiction in Indian Country. The law, however, does not divest tribes of their authority.

Get the Story:
Rift with tribe worries sheriff (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 8/4)
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Tribes address crime issues (The San Bernardino Sun 8/3)
Safety of casino defended (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 8/3)
Federal gambling regulators to inspect Soboba Casino (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 8/2)

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