Hailey
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation: The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Kansas has removed senior business leaders after discovering that their tribally owned company accepted a $30 million contract to help design ICE detention centers.
The tribe later announced that this project did not support their traditional values or mission, leading to widespread community frustration and emotional reactions. This rewritten article explains what happened, why it mattered, and what steps the tribe plans to take next.
How the Controversy Started
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation: The issue began when Prairie Band LLC, the tribe’s business arm, agreed to assist the federal government with the design of new immigration detention centers. The contract, worth nearly $30 million, involved supporting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Hours before the firing decision, the company’s president publicly defended the contract. He explained that the majority of Prairie Band LLC’s work comes through federal projects and suggested that this agreement was simply another business opportunity.
However, many tribal members strongly disagreed, arguing that the project connected the tribe to a sensitive and emotionally charged national issue.
Why the Tribe Said “This Does Not Match Our Values”
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation: In a public announcement, the tribe stated that the contract conflicted with their values, culture, and sovereign responsibilities. They also expressed understanding toward the community’s anger, confusion, and disappointment.
The tribe emphasized that every decision they make must reflect their cultural principles, especially on issues affecting vulnerable communities like immigrants.
Key Facts About the Controversy
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Amount | Nearly $30 million |
| Purpose | Help design ICE detention centers |
| Company Involved | Prairie Band LLC |
| Tribal Response | Fired senior leaders |
| Reason | Project did not align with tribal values |
| Contract Status | Unclear; tribe has not confirmed cancellation |
Reaction from Company Leadership
Jacob Wamego, the president of Prairie Band LLC, initially defended the agreement. He said the company would only assist with facility design, not operation. He also noted that he did not know where the future detention facilities would be located.
His statements did little to calm concerns within the community, and later that same day, the tribe removed him and other leaders involved in the decision.
National Immigration Pressure Behind the Contract
The contract came at a time when former President Donald Trump was pushing aggressively to remove people living in the United States without full legal status. One major challenge in that plan has been the lack of detention space, leading to a national effort to expand facilities.
Kansas currently has two ICE detention locations:
• Chase County Jail
• A federal prison in Leavenworth
Private company CoreCivic has also been trying to reopen another detention facility in Leavenworth, though legal issues have delayed that plan.
Tribe Plans Policy Changes
After firing the leaders, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation announced that they will review and rebuild their internal approval system for accepting federal contracts.
Their goal is to ensure that every future agreement is fully consistent with tribal ethics, community expectations, and cultural identity.
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s decision to fire business leaders over a $30 million ICE contract shows how important cultural identity and community values are within tribal governance.
Even though the contract offered major financial potential, the tribe chose to protect its principles and maintain trust with its people.
As the tribe reviews its internal processes and decides what to do next with the contract, this moment serves as a strong reminder that meaningful leadership must always respect the beliefs and voices of the community it represents.