Central Montana Times

U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tina Smith have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing drug trafficking in tribal communities. The "Protection for Reservation Occupants Against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today (PROTECT) Act" seeks to expand the Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ) program, enabling tribal nations to prosecute non-Native offenders for drug and gun crimes linked to STCJ-covered offenses. Additionally, the act would allow tribal courts to issue warrants for electronic materials, enhancing efforts against drug traffickers.

Senator Daines emphasized the impact of drugs like fentanyl and opioids on states such as Montana, stating, "Drug traffickers continue to exploit our tribal communities, so I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation to protect our Native American tribes and keep our communities safe." Senator Smith highlighted the challenges faced by Minnesota's tribal leaders due to jurisdictional complexities on tribal land, noting that "The PROTECT Act would help Tribes fight back against these drug traffickers."

The proposal has garnered support from various tribal leaders. Justin Gray Hawk Sr., Tribal Chairman of the Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes, called it "an important step forward in public safety in Indian country." Teri Gobin, Chairwoman of the Tulalip Tribes, pointed out that organized crime targets reservations due to jurisdictional vulnerabilities and expressed support for restoring tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians.

The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians have passed a resolution supporting the PROTECT Act of 2024. Virgil Wind from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe praised Senators Smith and Daines for providing additional tools needed for community safety. Darrell Seki, Chairman of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, applauded Senator Smith's leadership in strengthening tribal sovereignty.

For decades, drug traffickers have taken advantage of complex criminal jurisdictions in Indian Country. This has led American Indians and Alaska Natives to be disproportionately affected by violent crime and overdose deaths compared to other demographic groups. The PROTECT Act aims to address these issues by expanding STCJ powers and allowing offenders prosecuted under STCJ provisions access to incarceration through the Bureau of Prisons Tribal Prisoner Program.