Central Wisconsin News

Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) has sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, urging the Department of Justice to secure reimbursement for the town of Lac du Flambeau from the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. The request follows an incident on January 31, 2023, when the tribal government blocked public access to four roads by constructing barricades. These actions stranded residents, cut off access to essential medications, and hindered emergency services. According to Tiffany, tribal leaders demanded $20 million from the town in exchange for restoring access. The town ultimately paid over $600,000 in monthly installments to the Tribe.

Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Conley issued a permanent order barring both the United States and the Lac du Flambeau Tribe from restricting access to these disputed roads. In his letter, Tiffany stated: “Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Conley ruled that the homeowners have a right to access these roads, which were listed on the National Tribal Transportation Inventory list at the time the illegal barricades went up. President Biden’s Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) subsequently removed the roads from the inventory in March 2023, an action that Judge Conley ruled was also a violation of the law.”

Tiffany continued: “I am asking the Department of Justice to investigate this matter and seek compensation from the tribal government to reimburse the town. Not only did the town hand over in excess of $600,000 as part of this illegal shakedown, it also incurred significant legal expenses and administrative costs associated with responding to the actions of tribal leaders and the Biden administration’s BIA. The town of Lac du Flambeau – a small community with a population of just over 3,000 people – saw its finances pushed to the absolute limit by the unlawful standoff created by the reckless and irresponsible actions of the tribal government. It is only fair that as the instigators of this unnecessary dispute, the tribe be held accountable,” Tiffany concluded.

Tom Tiffany has won several recent elections in Wisconsin's 7th congressional district: he defeated Kyle Kilbourn in 2024 with about 63% of votes; Richard Ausman in 2022 with nearly 62%; and Tricia Zunker in 2020 with approximately 61%.