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Ongoing Struggle Between the Feds and the Indians

MESCALERO, N.M.-- In the ongoing struggle between the feds and the Indians, an Apache casino reopened recently, two months after it was forced to close or face government seizure of its gambling equipment.

The Mescalero casino was the first to shut down, in the face of a threat by U.S. Attorney John Kelly to seize its slot machines, gaming tables and other equipment and bank accounts. The U.S. attorney's office backed off on that threat Friday since courts have allowed the other casinos to remain open while appeals are pending.

The Mescalero casino in south-central New Mexico called back 350 workers.

"Most are relieved to have their jobs back, but there's still a bit of uncertainty,'' said Tom Gallagher, the tribe's chief financial officer.

The casino could close again. Mescalero President Wendell Chino has agreed to abide by the outcome of the federal appeals involving nine pueblo Indian casinos in New Mexico.

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