Statement of Acting Assistant Secretary Michael S. Black on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and BIA Law Enforcement Assistance

WASHINGTON - Statement of Acting Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Michael S. Black on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and BIA law enforcement assistance:

"The Bureau of Indian Affairs today responded to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's request for BIA law enforcement support and will assist them in closing the protest camps within the Standing Rock Reservation boundary.

“The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe previously passed a tribal resolution asking the BIA for the assistance of its officers to support and ensure the safety of the tribe's camp-closing operation. North Dakota Governor Burgum, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe leadership, local law enforcement, and local landowners have all warned the public and those still camped of the dangerous spring flooding expected due to the heavy amount of snowfall the state received this winter.

“The closing of the camps is a matter of public health and safety and working together at this time will allow for the safe removal of waste and debris that will impact the local environment and protection of those camped.”