New Mexico Police Cordon Off Indian Casino
The Apaches were among the most independent of Indian tribes, resisting the commands and overtures alike of the United States government until the late 1880s, at which time the U.S. Army forced the surviving tribal members to relocate from their native lands in Arizona and New Mexico to reservations, in Oklahoma among other places.
Now the Fort Sill Apaches are once again going off reservation, challenging state and federal authorities, and seeking to return to their ancient homeland. After acquiring a parcel of land in southern New Mexico in 2002, the tribe has recently made efforts to construct a casino there.
A temporary structure composed of eight trailers has been strung together while workers continue to erect the exterior. However, Governor Bill Richardson calls the casino plan illegal, and has ordered the State Police to surround the building to prevent it from opening. He claims the tribe was granted the land between Deming and Las Cruces only upon promising former Governor Gary Johnson gambling would never occur there, and that state approval would be needed for any form of gambling.
The tribe has responded that only electronic bingo machines are presently planned, which in their eyes do not require state approval. Furthermore, the police action is seen as unnecessary and improper, as they say the casino is not near condition to open soon. The tribe said they were waiting for approval from the National Indian Gaming Commission, which would allow them to proceed.
Today, Richardson disclosed a letter from the NIGC, telling the tribe it may not open the casino, and that the casino would be closed by officials if attempts to open were made.
At this point, it seems the Apaches must resign themselves to fighting this battle in court. Squad cars remain outside the casino, and Peter Olson, spokesman for the state Department of Public Safety, said, "We will be diverting people back onto the interstate. We will deny access to people that are going to partake in illegal activity, which is illegal gambling in this case."
