California Sheriff Faces Legal Challenges Over Cannabis Raids on Tribal Land
A Native American tribe in Northern California is accusing Mendocino County Sheriff Matthew Kendall of overstepping his authority when his office conducted raids on cannabis farms on tribal land last year. The tribe claims these operations were conducted without proper jurisdiction, leading to property damage and legal allegations. Kendall, however, asserts that the raids were a response to requests from tribal members, who reported gun violence and illegal cannabis farming on the reservation. He maintains that his department’s actions were lawful and necessary to protect the public, yet now faces a lawsuit accusing him of conducting raids outside his jurisdiction, including one that allegedly destroyed an 86-year-old woman’s garden.
The lawsuit, filed by the Round Valley Indian Tribes and several individuals, seeks an injunction to halt further raids on tribal land and names multiple officials, including Kendall and Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal. Legal experts argue that Public Law 280 grants states like California limited authority to enforce criminal laws on tribal land, but does not permit regulatory enforcement on matters like cannabis, which is legal in the state. Plaintiffs’ attorneys contend that Kendall violated the tribe’s sovereignty by enforcing California’s regulatory laws, which conflict with the tribe’s own cannabis regulations. Kendall defends his actions, calling the allegations racially motivated and dismissing claims that the raids targeted the tribe or were conducted without proper warrants.
During the raids, which took place in July 2024, authorities allegedly failed to produce valid search warrants, leading to significant damage to properties, including gardens and cultivation sites. Plaintiffs’ attorneys described the scene as one of destruction, with some residents witnessing officers in full gear and heavy equipment tearing down cannabis plants and infrastructure. The tribe’s legal team claims that the sheriff’s actions were a direct violation of both state and tribal laws, further escalating tensions between the local law enforcement and the reservation community.
Public Law 280, a decades-old statute, is at the heart of the legal battle. While it allows California and a few other states to exercise criminal jurisdiction over tribal lands, it does not extend to regulatory matters like cannabis, which is permitted in California. Legal experts argue that the tribe, having its own laws regarding cannabis, should be able to enforce those within its jurisdiction. The lawsuit seeks to clarify the boundaries of state authority, emphasizing that the sheriff’s office has no right to impose state regulations on a tribal territory, further complicating the legal landscape.
The sheriff, however, insists that his actions were justified and necessary given the rising levels of drug cartel activity in the region. He highlights the presence of drug trafficking organizations and the surge in illegal cannabis cultivation, attributing the situation to a combination of economic depression and lax oversight. His comments reinforce the ongoing debate between state and tribal authority, with the sheriff maintaining that his role is to protect the public, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries. The dispute underscores the complex interplay between federal, state, and tribal laws, as well as the challenges of law enforcement in regions where illegal activities have taken root.