"2 tiers of justice": leaders oppose Tulsa move to cede enforcement power over tribal citizens

Governor Stitt, State and Local Leaders, Push Back on Tulsa’s Move to Cede Enforcement Power

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 23, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt, in conjunction with county and local leaders and law enforcement, released the following statements concerning a proposed settlement agreement between the City of Tulsa and the Muscogee Nation which would cede all enforcement authority over tribal citizens to the Muscogee Nation.

“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,” said Gov. Stitt. “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.”

This settlement comes after a drawn out legal battle between the City of Tulsa and the Muscogee Nation regarding the authority of state and local police to investigate and prosecute crimes committed by and perpetrated against non-member Indians.

“Why would the Tulsa mayor’s office choose to undermine a right it fought so hard to establish for the citizens of Tulsa following the O’Brien decision,” said Tulsa District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler. “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.”

This action raises concerns as Tulsa experiences increased incidences of violence in the area, most recently a fatal shooting at a Tulsa Juneteenth celebration. State law enforcement cites concerns of their ability to investigate and properly prosecute these crimes should Mayor Nichols finalize this proposed settlement agreement.

“Oklahoma is stronger and safer when all law enforcement is able to do its job,” said Secretary of Public Safety Tricia Everest. “This agreement makes Tulsa and the State of Oklahoma less safe. I will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure public safety is prioritized for all Oklahomans.”

“The citizens of Oklahoma are best protected with law enforcement takes a comprehensive approach,” said Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton. “When a jurisdiction refuses to enforce our laws, all Oklahomans are put at risk. Oklahoma Highway Patrol will continue to investigate and arrest anyone who engages in criminal activity regardless of race, heritage, or political affiliation and I encourage all jurisdictions to do the same.”

“It is the mission of OSBI to protect Oklahoma, one partnership at a time,” said Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation director Greg Mashburn. “Our efforts to keep Oklahomans safe are hindered when any law enforcement entity is prevented from doing its job. OSBI will continue to work tirelessly to serve our state, but I urge the leadership of Tulsa to reverse course.”

"OBN shares the Governor's concerns about the potential settlement agreement between the Tulsa Mayor and the Muscogee Nation,” said Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics director Donnie Anderson.  “Any settlement agreement that unnecessarily surrenders the State's ability to prosecute human traffickers and drug dealers is a grave threat to public safety for all Oklahomans. Crime does not distinguish Oklahomans based on tribal membership and neither should our law enforcement and prosecution efforts." 

“Accountability must apply equally to all individuals, regardless of tribal affiliation or status,” said Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado. “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”

“The Tulsa FOP Lodge 93 supports the victims of crimes in the City of Tulsa,” said Patrick Stephens, chairman of the Tulsa Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 93. “Under the system proposed by this agreement, you can have a situation where two suspects committing the same crime are treated differently because of their affiliation with a tribe. One suspect could end up in prison while the other suspect could face less severe consequences. This creates two tiers of justice. As law enforcement leaders, we cannot stand for this.”