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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2002

A dispute over the leadership of the Kickapoo Tribe of Texas escalated with court intervention and threat of removal of tribal members by federal authorities.

A reported 200-plus tribal members are occupying the casino in protest of chairman Raul Garza and his associates. The tribal members accused Garza and casino managers of financial mismanagement.

U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, of the Western District of Texas, on Wednesday issued a temporary restraining order against the tribal members. The U.S. Marshals Service were expected to show up to enforce the order but as of late yesterday, there was no confrontation, according to news accounts.

The tribal members on Monday ousted Garza and elected a new slate of leaders. The Bureau of Indian Affairs continues to recognize Garza.

Get the Story:
U.S. judge calls tribe to order (The San Antonio Express-News 10/31)
Dissatisfied Kickapoo form tense gathering at tribal casino (The Abiline Reporter-News Online 10/31)
Casino occupied in Kickapoo dispute (United Press International 10/30)

Related Stories:
BIA not recognizing Kickapoo ouster (10/30)
Tribal members kick out council (10/29)