White Earth Nation shares federal jurisdiction in PL280 state

Friday, March 15, 2013  

The federal government will once again be sharing criminal jurisdiction with the The White Earth Nation of Minnesota.

With some exceptions, the state of Minnesota was granted jurisdiction in Indian Country by Public Law 280. Although that law contained provisions to undo the state's role, the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 makes it easier for the federal government to step back in.

“Our goal in granting this request is to strengthen public safety and security for the people of White Earth,” Deputy Attorney General Cole of the Department of Justice said in a press release. “We look forward to partnering with the tribe and our state and local counterparts to support White Earth in ensuring justice on the reservation.”

The White Earth Nation was the first to submit and receive a decision on its application to restore federal jurisdiction. Tribes in California, another PL 280 state, also filed requests.

Get the Story:
White Earth Indian tribe 1st to team up with US prosecutors (AP 3/15)

White Earth Nation requests federal jurisdiction in PL 280 state (9/4)