KOSTA: As America debates
whether we should enter another lockdown,
there's still one maskless utopia
where patriots can shop where they want,
catch fireworks with the president
and even attend the largest gathering
of people who wear leather in August.
That's right. South Dakota.
We took a unique path.
We haven't locked people up.
We didn't order a statewide shelter in place.
More freedom, not more government, is the answer.
KOSTA: But some locals aren't happy
with the governor's lack of rules
and are taking things into their own latex-covered hands.
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has set up nine checkpoints
along major roads and highways that lead into the reservation
to protect people from COVID-19.
But the idea has sparked some disagreements.
KOSTA: Yes, the governor wants the checkpoints removed,
and she's using her power as the state's top Karen
to get it done.
But that's not sitting well with Chairman Harold Frazier.
Chairman, you're still staying closed.
Is that because you hate freedom?
No. We-we, uh... No, we don't hate freedoms.
We got to protect our people,
and that's something that we value
more than anything, is-is our human life.
Is my life worth living if I can't get
the twiced-baked potato from Applebee's?
Well, naturally, you know, uh,
safety is the most important thing.
Right now, these checkpoints is one of our best weapons we have
to-to, uh, try to control this virus.
KOSTA: I've heard enough. Time to hit the road
and see these checkpoints for myself.
I'm going up to the checkpoint. Let's say I'm a trucker.
-Where are you going to? -I'm going to Boise.
I got 30 cattle in the back.
Have you ever been exposed to COVID-19?
No.
Thank you. You have a safe trip. Have a good day.
-Wait, wait, that's it? -Yeah.
We've always allowed commercial travel to come through.
Seems like it's pretty simple, frankly.
Motorists could probably be at a checkpoint
no more than a minute to a minute and a half.
I'm gonna give you a tougher one, okay?
Going to Disneyland. Got the kids with me.
What's the stopping for?
Hey, where are you from?
Uh, we're from Florida, ironically.
Okay. You are going to...
-Disneyland coming from Florida? -Yep.
Okay, well, sorry to inform you,
but you're gonna have to, uh, turn around.
-Why's that, sir? -You are coming from a hot spot,
and you are unable to travel through our reservation.
Did I say Florida? (chuckles)
I-I meant to say... Costa Rica.
Hang on, I'm gonna gun it!
(tires squeal)
Hey. What is your name, sir?
Bill.
You got a last name?
Yeah, "Of Rights." Ever heard of it?
Bill of rights. Why am I being stopped here?
We have a checkpoint and a huge concern
of, uh, COVID-19.
Corona 19. (scoffs)
Right now, we, uh, have a program to do tracing and...
I didn't follow the program in my grandma's nursing home,
so I'm sure as shit not gonna follow your program, old man.
Rest in peace, Meemaw.
Well, Mr. Rights, sorry to inform you
you're gonna have to reroute your destination.
Uh, you're being uncooperative,
so thank you, and have a good day.
KOSTA: With just 19 active cases on the reservation,
the checkpoints seem to be working.
But bootleg Sarah Palin said they have to come down
or she'll take them to court.
But the tribe's lawyer says that the Sioux
don't have to do shit.
When Governor Noem told us to shut down the checkpoints,
she had no legal leg to stand on, and so we refused.
Uh, when we refused,
she, um, told on us to the White House.
They threatened to take our checkpoints down.
There were numerous people, um,
at every level of the federal government
that had their fingers in this, so we sued all of those people.
-You sued them? -That's right.
You sued the federal government?
-Yes. -It's like...
you guys got in a little fight in the schoolyard,
and then she went home and call... and called her dad.
(chuckles): Yes.
-And then you sued her dad. -That's right.
KOSTA: Threats from the federal government
haven't been enough to deter the Sioux.
That's because they're protected
by a concept known as tribal sovereignty.
Sovereignty is our inherent power
to govern ourselves as tribal people.
When I enter a reservation, I'm not a member of a tribe.
Do I have to follow tribal law
or federal government law?
There is, unfortunately, a confusing array
of which laws apply on Indian reservations.
Can I have breakfast for dinner?
(chuckles): Can you have breakfast for dinner?
I'm gonna say yes. I will allow it.
Can I practice medicine without a license?
You may not.
Can I wear socks with sandals?
Uh, you probably better not.
There seems to be a little ambiguity
on these tough questions.
There are some restrictions and limits.
And, you know, what's very interesting to note
is that, you know, we started out
with a full range of sovereign authority,
and over the years, we've lost much of our land.
Our culture has been harmed.
But this fight that we're having against the United States
in this checkpoint issue, we're on the offense.
Nikki, it's tough to fight the federal government.
Unlimited resources, unlimited lawyers.
Do you really think you're gonna win?
Yes, I do think we're gonna win.
The federal government doesn't want to (bleep) with us
because they're afraid of Indians.
And they should be.
KOSTA: I learned a lot on this journey.
First of all, don't (bleep) with Indians.
Can I say that? And two,
if keeping your people safe is un-American,
then maybe we should all try
to be a little more un-American.
-And lastly, if... -Hey. Where are you from?
KOSTA: Damn it, Harold!