Nation-supported legislation will close jurisdictional loopholes, strengthen public safety on Nation lands
September 28, 2026
CATTARAUGUS TERRITORY, IRVING, N.Y. – The Seneca Nation announced that United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has introduced the Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act, key federal law enforcement legislation proposed and actively supported by Nation leaders, in the Senate. It is a companion bill to the legislation introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Nick Langworthy in January.
The Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act is designed to address long-standing jurisdictional confusion that has compromised law enforcement activities on Nation lands. In particular, the legislation will nullify 25 U.S. Code § 232, an outdated, ineffective Termination Era law, passed by Congress in 1948, giving New York State criminal jurisdiction on Seneca lands.
“The lack of clear and effective law enforcement and criminal jurisdiction on our lands has created an environment where drug dealers, drug traffickers and other criminals have thrived at the expense of the safety of the Seneca people,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca. “The current archaic system of New York State jurisdiction puts our people in danger. Restoring the federal government’s treaty responsibility to work with the Seneca Nation to provide law enforcement represents a major step forward in protecting our people and our territories. We appreciate Senator Gillibrand’s willingness to listen to our concerns and work with us to introduce this important legislation in the Senate. We will not relent in our efforts to make enhanced public safety a reality on Seneca Nation lands.”
“The Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act is a crucial first step in fixing a Termination-era law enforcement model that has existed for the last 78 years,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Seneca Nation has suffered as a result, and now is Congress’ chance to right historic wrongs and end New York State’s automatic jurisdiction over Seneca lands. This bill will enhance public safety and respect Tribal sovereignty.”
“This outdated jurisdictional framework has created real-world public safety problems,” Congressman Langworthy said. “Our men and women in law enforcement are doing the best they can under challenging circumstances, but when authority is fragmented and accountability is unclear, resourceful criminals exploit the gaps and that’s exactly what we’ve seen happen. This legislation provides a targeted solution that respects tribal sovereignty, preserves federal oversight, and ensures that any change occurs only with mutual agreement. Most importantly, it will make our communities safer, and that is a goal we all share.”
The Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act removes New York State’s automatic criminal and civil jurisdiction over Seneca Nation lands established under the 1948 law, but only if both the Seneca Nation and the U.S. Attorney General agree in writing to such a change. The legislation does not mandate any immediate action; instead, it creates a clear legal mechanism to resolve jurisdictional confusion when all parties determine it is appropriate. By clarifying jurisdiction and enabling a more coordinated law enforcement framework, the legislation strengthens accountability, improves cooperation among authorities, and reduces opportunities for drug trafficking and other criminal activity to flourish due to legal uncertainty.
