- Details
- By Levi Rickert
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Chairman Joseph "Zeke" Rupnick issued a statement via a YouTube video late Wednesday afternoon to tribal members announcing that the nation and its subsidiaries have fully divested from the $29.9 million U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contract that has recently come under scrutiny.
Rupnick’s announcement addressed concerns raised by Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation tribal citizens about a contract that committed KPB Services — a subsidiary of Prairie Band LLC, the Nation’s economic arm — to conduct early-phase planning, research, technical assessments and concept designs for secure structures that meet ICE operating requirements.
The statement did not address questions about the terms of the divestment or any long-term ramifications the tribal nation may face in future federal contracts. Rupnick said future steps will be addressed at an upcoming tribal council meeting in January 2026 to ensure the tribal nation’s values are properly aligned with its economic development ventures.
Below is the statement Chairman Rupnick read in the video:
“Relatives, “I’m very happy to share that our Nation has successfully exited all third-party related interests affiliated with ICE. As a result, Prairie Band, LLC is no longer a direct or indirect owner or participant in, or otherwise affiliated with, any ICE-related projects, contracts, or operations.
“In our next General Council meeting in January, Tribal Council plans to further address the steps we will take to ensure that our Nation’s economic interests do not come into conflict with our values in the future.
“Until then, be safe and enjoy this holiday season, migwetch.”
Please support our year-end campaign. CLICK HERE TO DONATE.
More Stories Like This
50 Years of Self-Determination: How a Landmark Act Empowered Tribal Sovereignty and Transformed Federal-Tribal RelationsBreaking: Lumbee Tribe Set for Federal Recognition Under NDAA Passed by Senate
Treasury Finalizes Tribal Tax Rules Ending Decades of Uncertainty
Finalized Tax Rules Seen as Historic Win for Tribal Economies
Help us defend tribal sovereignty.
At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.
Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.
That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.
Stand with Warrior Journalism today.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
