Nessel issues guidance to law enforcement on ability to enforce tribal court-issued PPOs

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued guidance clarifying that personal protection orders issued by tribal courts must be enforced by state law enforcement the same as any other, following persistent uncertainty among officers about their authority to do so. Nessel's letter comes amid data showing nearly 85% of Indigenous women and over 80% of Indigenous men experience violence in their lifetime.

The guidance coincides with Michigan House passage of bills that would eliminate service fees for protection orders, which currently can cost close to $100 including mileage. Companion Senate bills passed in December 2025 but remain stuck in House committee, awaiting reconciliation before reaching Governor Whitmer's desk.

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