Muscogee Nation, City of Tulsa sign law enforcement jurisdiction agreement

“Tulsa is essentially making itself a sanctuary city for tribal members engaged in criminal activity.

As elected leaders, it is our job to represent our constituents regardless of race, heritage, or political affiliation. This proposed move by Mayor Nichols sets a concerning precedent and will make it impossible for elected officials and Oklahoma law enforcement to protect their communities.

I will take every action to reverse course and ensure the rule of law is the same for everyone.”

“The idea that the City of Tulsa would abdicate its public safety charter and not allow the State to prosecute dangerous criminals solely based on their identity as an Indian is ludicrous.

The State’s efforts to protect all citizens of Tulsa in no way infringes upon a tribe’s ability to do the same – whether they choose to do so or not. Kneecapping the Tulsa Police Department – one of the best in the country – from performing its public safety function puts all Tulsans in danger.

Additionally, the City of Tulsa would stand out like a sore thumb in Tulsa County as every other law enforcement agency continues to refer dangerous criminals to prosecutors. It is my hope that wisdom prevails within the City of Tulsa. Heaven help the City of Tulsa if this proposed settlement is implemented.”

“Justice is only fair when it is blind to background, and consistent in its application. The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, in accordance with the ruling from the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, will continue sending the appropriate cases to the Tulsa County District Attorney for consideration of charges.”

“First, I want to thank Principal Chief David Hill and the Muscogee Nation for entrusting us with the work ahead and for the good faith efforts in creating a path forward that has not been accomplished in more than five years."

The collaboration and communication between our governments has been tremendous, and I look forward to our next step in this process. As mayor, I pledged to make Tulsa the safest big city in the country and to co-govern with our tribal partners. Today, with this agreement, we are establishing systems to ensure that we move forward on both of those pledges with a solid framework.

Our city can only benefit if we collaborate and approach our work together rather than individually. We are stronger together, and we can show the nation how municipalities and tribal governments can work together to create better outcomes for all our residents.”

"As we get closer to next month's five-year anniversary of the Supreme Court's monumental McGirt decision, I am reminded and find myself very proud of the significant strides the Nation has made to increase its law enforcement and judicial capabilities to meet the demands necessary for responsible governance of our Reservation.

These efforts by the Nation to provide robust public safety priorities in our communities are enhanced when we are able to work closely in cooperation with state and local agency partners. Today, a clear example of this partnership has been realized by the settlement reached between the Nation and the City of Tulsa regarding the exercise of criminal jurisdiction within city limits on the Reservation. I applaud and appreciate the vision of Mayor Nichols in advocating a policy for reaching solutions with Tribes--rather than litigating--on these issues of mutual importance for citizens and visitors in Tulsa, both Indian and non-Indian alike.

While the Nation and Tulsa have reached a settlement today, I know that the real work for implementing the terms of this collaboration is just beginning. However, I look forward to working with Mayor Nichols and his team as we show the rest of the state what responsible and respectful co-governance on the Reservation can look like."

“I applaud the City of Tulsa and Muscogee Nation for reaching a resolution that protects tribal sovereignty and enhances public safety for all.

Mayor Monroe Nichols and Chief David Hill have demonstrated thoughtful leadership in reaching this agreement. Far on the other end of the spectrum is Governor Kevin Stitt, whose ignorance of the fundamentals of tribal sovereignty and cooperative governance within tribal reservations is astounding.

Governor Stitt remains hopelessly on the wrong side of history while the rest of us chart a course for co-governing alongside tribes in the 21st century.”