When misinformation spreads quickly, Native journalists have a responsibility to verify claims, provide context and tell readers what the evidence shows.
A video circulating widely on social media sparked concern among Native Americans this week after a man was recorded confronting law enforcement officers at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s Wacipi, or powwow, and claiming that nine Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were at the cultural gathering.
The video was an attention getter. The man was yelling profanities and pointing his finger at the law enforcement officers. One message circulating with the video declared: “There is absolutely no reason ICE should ever be at a powwow.”
That message is understandable. But Native News Online found no evidence that ICE agents attended the Wacipi.
Native News Online contacted SMSC tribal law enforcement department, which said it had no knowledge of ICE agents being present. We also contacted the tribe’s communication department, which provided a statement from the SMSC Business Council.
The statement explained that the individuals accused of being ICE agents were actually military service members who attended the Wacipi “to learn about the tribe and its culture because they have Native Americans in their unit.”
The tribe also explained that the officers shown in the video were SMSC Conservation officers, SMSC Security personnel and a local police liaison working to ensure the safety of attendees.
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When misinformation spreads quickly, Native journalists have a responsibility to verify claims, provide context and tell readers what the evidence shows. Opinion A video circulating widely on soci...