This week, the Standing Rock Sioux called on the Department of Justice to investigate state and local authorities for civil rights violations during protests over the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline. But North Dakota authorities are refuting the tribe’s accusations, saying they’ve been patient and accommodating with protesters... In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch on Monday, Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault criticized police for harassing Native American drivers, conducting intrusive strip searches and standing by as pipeline security guards used dogs against protesters... 

The mounting tension alarms Jan Hasselman, an attorney who represents the tribe and works for the environmental law organization Earthjustice. “Things are definitely escalating. The company is provoking a confrontation by getting closer and closer [with construction],” Hasselman said... 

Energy Transfer Partners, meanwhile, alleges that protesters have threatened workers and that vandals have caused millions of dollars in damage by setting fire to construction equipment. The company expressed appreciation for officers’ presence during the conflict.