Federal agents and the Bureau of Indian Affairs searched a Red Lake Nation child welfare facility in northern Minnesota on Thursday, as part of an ongoing investigation.
The FBI search at the Red Lake Nation child welfare facility took place at Ombimindwaa Gidinawemaaganinaadog, formerly known as Red Lake Family and Children Services. No arrests were made, authorities said.
FBI supervisory special agent Matthew Vogel confirmed that agents had executed a search warrant at the tribal building but declined to disclose what prompted the operation. The US Attorney’s Office for Minnesota also confirmed the warrant, while saying it could not comment on the nature of the investigation.
Red Lake Tribal Council responds to FBI search
The Red Lake Tribal Council said it was aware of the law enforcement activity and would co-operate with the FBI and tribal law enforcement partners.
“The Red Lake Nation will continue to cooperate with the FBI and our Tribal law enforcement partners while protecting our sovereignty and ensuring the safety of our community, our employees and our people,” the council said.
Officials said there was no known threat to public safety and urged community members to remain patient and avoid speculation while the investigation continued.
Ombimindwaa Gidinawemaaganinaadog provides child welfare and family support services on the reservation, including child protection, foster care, mental health support and family-based assistance. The organisation’s name means “uplifting all our relatives” in the Ojibwe language.
Neither the FBI nor the tribal council has indicated when further information about the investigation may be released.
