FARGO (KFGO) - The Justice Department is declining to say whether it plans to open a civil rights investigation into local law enforcement actions against Dakota Access Pipeline protesters.
Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman David Archambault has written a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch. Archambault wants Lynch to investigate surveillance activities, the use of pepper spray and strip searches among several other items.
Justice Dept. spokesman Wyn Hornbuckle tells KFGO News that "the Justice Department is taking the situation in North Dakota seriously."
Hornbuckle says federal authorities are also providing technical assistance and community policing resources.
Hornbuckle says in the interim, the departments of the Army, Interior, and Justice have reiterated their request that the pipeline company voluntarily pause all construction activity within 20 miles east or west of Lake Oahe.