Dusty Johnson to Congress on tribal law enforcement: Come see the Reservations for yourself

Congressman Dusty Johnson has called on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies to conduct field hearings on Indian reservations. The purpose is to gain insights into the formidable challenges faced by tribal law enforcement in the Great Plains, particularly concerning the dire state of law enforcement on Indian reservations.

In a written statement, Johnson emphasized the urgent need for attention to tribal communities, citing law enforcement as the primary concern. "As I speak with leaders from South Dakota’s nine tribes, it is clear the number one concern facing Indian reservations is the dismal state of law enforcement," Johnson wrote. He urged the federal government to honor its commitment and address the pressing law enforcement needs of Indian country.

President Frank Star Comes Out of the Oglala Sioux Tribe applauded Johnson's initiative, stating, "We welcome these hearings as an opportunity for Members of the House to hear firsthand about the crisis we face every day in our tribal communities." The president highlighted the myriad challenges, including gangs, cartels, human and drug trafficking, organized crime, abuse, and murder, affecting a generation of people born into such circumstances.

President Star Comes Out emphasized that the Oglala Sioux Tribe relies solely on the federal government for law enforcement services, and despite their efforts and a court victory, the situation has worsened over the last two decades. He expressed gratitude to Rep. Dusty Johnson for being an unwavering ally in their fight for the survival of their people.

Dusty Johnson has been actively advocating for resources for tribal police departments and has played a leadership role in key legislation, including the Tribal COPS Act and the Invest to Protect Act.