Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas sues over seizure of eagle feathers

McALLEN, TX—The Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas is suing the federal government over the seizure of eagle feathers at a powwow. An agent from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service raided a powwow in McAllen on March 11, 2006. According to a complaint filed in federal court, over 50 eagle feathers and eagle parts were taken from participants.

Robert Soto, the tribe’s vice chairman, said the raid violated his religious rights. “If I got caught speeding, I deserve a speeding ticket, but if I get caught worshipping God the way He created us as Native people, that’s not violating the law,” he tells The Mc...