Overview:
The Bureau of Indian Affairs has assumed operations of Red Lake Nation’s Family and Children’s Services following last week’s FBI and BIA search of the facility, while federal officials have yet to disclose the reason for the search warrant.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) took over operations of Ombimindwaa Gidinawemaaganinaadog, formerly known as Red Lake Family and Children’s Services, today on the Red Lake Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota.
The takeover comes on the heels of last Thursday’s execution of a federal search warrant by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and BIA agents. Federal officials had not released the contents of the warrant as of late Monday afternoon.
In a statement released Monday, the BIA cited the safety and well-being of children, families, and other vulnerable tribal citizens.
“BIA staff are in place to immediately support the transition and ensure continuity of services. Our team is working to provide stability for children and families while maintaining the essential services and protections they rely on,” the statement said. “We understand that any transition involving child welfare and related services can be challenging for families and the tribal community.”
Last Thursday, September 10, 2026, the FBI and BIA agents executed a search warrant at Ombimindwaa Gidinawemaaganinaadog, which means “Uplifting our Relatives” in Ojibwe.
The facility manages behavioral health, children and families, family welfare services, and Indian Child Welfare Act compliance services on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. The reservation is home to the Red Lake Band of Chippewa, with a population of 5,500, according to the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau.
After the raid by FBI and BIA agents, the Red Lake Nation released a statement dated September 13, 2026, saying it “continues to address the federal search warrant executed by the FBI at Ombimindwaa Gidinawemaaganinaadog.”
The statement said tribal leadership met with representatives from the BIA and FBI.
“We will continue to work through the appropriate processes and pursue the necessary steps available to the Nation as we move forward,” the statement said.
“Our priority has not changed and will not change; we remain committed to protecting our children, protecting our sovereignty, and protecting our Nation,” the statement continued.
