The climate movement gave this Texas tribe millions and a global platform. No one checked its story.

In May 2017, Juan Mancias, chairman of the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of Texas, gained international prominence after traveling to France to campaign against oil and gas investments in South Texas. Mancias utilized his position to pressure major French banks to divest from regional energy projects, framing the effort as a continuation of a historical struggle for his people.

An investigation has since raised questions regarding the legitimacy of the tribe's claims and the vetting process for the millions of dollars in climate funding received by the organization. The inquiry highlights a lack of oversight within the climate movement, suggesting that the tribe’s narrative was accepted without sufficient verification of its status or history.