*UPDATE: On Monday, October 28th, 2024, Ni’i Ne’e appeared before Judge Linville for his arraignment hearing. During the proceedings, Judge Linville acknowledged the defendant’s identifying name of Navajo heritage (Ni’i Ne’e) along with his booking name (Emerson Joe). At the hearing, Ni’i Ne’e requested to represent himself and petitioned for a speedy trial. Judge Linville granted both requests and scheduled a pre-trial discovery hearing for November 12th, 2024. While the District Attorney’s office raised various concerns and requested that Ni’i Ne’e remain in custody, the court ordered his release. The terms of release require Ni’i Ne’e to obey all California laws and appear at his next scheduled court hearing.
MOUNT SHASTA, CA – An indigenous man was arrested and claims he was assaulted by police at Mount Shasta City Park on October 24, leading to multiple charges and raising questions about law enforcement conduct in Siskiyou County.
The man, who identifies himself as ni’i ne’e and is of Diné/Navajo heritage, was booked into Siskiyou County Jail under the name Emerson Joe. In a phone call from jail, he described being allegedly choked and struck by an officer identified as Officer Casanova with Mount Shasta Police Department.
“He started hitting me…I turned away from him (as he was) punching me…while I’m on the ground, I rolled over to not be hit in the head,” ni’i ne’e said in the recorded call. He claims to have video evidence of the incident on his cell phone, which is currently in police custody.
The Siskiyou County District Attorney has charged him with battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, and trespassing. However, ni’i ne’e maintains that he was the victim, stating he had actually requested police assistance before the incident occurred.
“They are calling me assault on him, but really he attacked me when I was trying to get the sheriff department to watch me and assist me,” he said.
Court records indicate ni’i ne’e has previously won several legal cases across multiple states, including a notable case in New Mexico where charges were dismissed with prejudice. He identifies as a sovereign national of Diné Bikéyah (sacred Navajo lands) and claims diplomatic status, citing recognition under the Two Row Wampum Treaty.
As of press time, ni’i ne’e remains in custody at Siskiyou County Jail awaiting his first court appearance. The Mount Shasta Police Department has not yet responded to requests for comment on the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and this story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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As an indigenous/native, I’ve been discriminated against by both whites and police (my family as well) many times: There’s nothing you can tell me to make me trust either.
Just like black people (Black/Americans or African Americans), they have every right to protect themselves against any form of injustice, and I don’t blame them for fearing for their lives each day when being out in public.
Don’t BS or lie to us. We Native/indigenous people know when you’re being dishonest or performative. In the end, we have to protect and maintain both our sovereignty and individual sovereignty.
I am 1/4 wintu Indian and have dark skin. I have never been treated unruly or badly by any police officer.
I’m a therapist in North County and I have heard about this kind of abuse from a handful of my clients over the years who were physically assaulted and “run out of Mt. Shasta “ by local police. These were people without power or resources and homeless. I believe them.
I had the honor of meeting Ni’i Ne’e, just a few weeks ago. He gifted me and others with a beautiful spiritual
healing ceremony . We were all so thankful to meet this kind spiritual man who advocates f0r Native American Human Rights. I only saw a man of Peace and high spirituality! I have also heard stories about police brutality in this area towards Native American People. My close friend has known this man for 15 years and looks up to him and states he has an excellent character and works for justice for oppressed people.
Mount Shasta has one officer who is on some kind of a power trip. Saw him peel put of Choices and literally burn rubber to pull over someone who didn’t stop completely at the 4-way on W. Alma and Pine, which he “stakes out” all the time. He cut me off as I was proceeding legally through the intersection. He peeled out before ligjt/siren. So intent on that ticket. Very strange. He drives the police pickup.
Injun resists arrests, gets arrested and goes to jail. Assimilate or perish. That’s how it works yo……