Sioux Empire Today

Earlier this week, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law. This legislation aims to facilitate the deportation of illegal immigrants with criminal records. It is the first bill President Trump has signed during his second term, receiving broad support from both Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate.

"We’ve seen Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) off to a strong start implementing strengthened border and immigration policies," a statement read. "Working together, we can and will secure the border and make our communities safe."

In another development, schools on reservations are facing significant challenges due to disrepair. Many facilities are outdated with issues such as leaky roofs, mold, and asbestos. A report from the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Interior highlighted systemic mismanagement by the Bureau of Indian Education, noting over $1 billion in deferred maintenance backlog.

"I called on the House Committees on Natural Resources and Education & Workforce to hold an oversight hearing on the Bureau of Indian Education to highlight these disparities and identify ways to improve the education environment," a statement said. "Our students and teachers deserve better."

Tragedy struck on Wednesday night when a military Blackhawk helicopter collided with a passenger flight from Kansas while landing in Washington, D.C., resulting in no survivors. This incident marks the deadliest aircraft accident in 23 years.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who passed and the first responders who have worked tirelessly to recover the remains," a statement conveyed. "My office and I will continue to monitor the situation as it develops. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am hopeful we can work together to make sure this doesn’t happen again."