Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, along with local and state law enforcement leaders, strongly opposes a proposed agreement between the City of Tulsa and the Muscogee Nation that would transfer criminal jurisdiction involving tribal citizens to the tribal government.
Controversial Agreement Raises Public Safety Concerns
The proposed settlement agreement would allow the Muscogee Nation full law enforcement authority over its tribal members in Tulsa, effectively limiting the Tulsa Police Department’s role in certain cases.
Governor Stitt called the proposal a move toward making Tulsa a “sanctuary city” for tribal offenders, warning it would undermine equal protection under the law.
“This proposal threatens the rule of law,” Stitt stated, emphasizing that enforcement must remain equal regardless of race or tribal affiliation.
Legal Background and Ongoing Tensions
The settlement follows years of legal debate concerning the authority of state and local agencies to prosecute crimes involving Native Americans, particularly after the landmark O’Brien decision.
Tulsa District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler criticized the deal, calling it dangerous and unjust, arguing it would leave victims vulnerable based solely on a suspect’s tribal identity.
“The City would be abandoning its duty to ensure public safety,” Kunzweiler said.
Law Enforcement Leaders Sound the Alarm
State public safety officials expressed concern that the deal would weaken Tulsa’s crime-fighting capabilities, especially during a time of rising violence in the area. A recent fatal shooting at a Juneteenth celebration highlighted these fears.
- Tricia Everest, Secretary of Public Safety: “This settlement makes Tulsa less safe.”
- Tim Tipton, Public Safety Commissioner: “We cannot allow jurisdictions to ignore state laws.”
- Greg Mashburn, OSBI Director: “Restricting law enforcement from acting endangers the public.”
Concerns Over Unequal Justice and Law Enforcement Authority
Other officials, including the Tulsa County Sheriff, emphasized that public safety must be blind to race or tribal affiliation. The Tulsa Fraternal Order of Police warned the deal could create “two tiers of justice,” where similar crimes result in unequal punishments based on tribal membership.
“Justice must be uniform,” said Sheriff Vic Regalado.
The proposed agreement between Tulsa and the Muscogee Nation has ignited significant statewide opposition.
Officials argue that public safety, fair prosecution, and consistent law enforcement should not be compromised based on tribal affiliation.
As the decision awaits finalization, leaders are urging city officials to reconsider the broader impact on justice and community safety.