Feds Crack Down on Crime in Indian Country

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The Justice Department is finally taking action to address the crisis of missing or murdered indigenous persons in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. On May 5, National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle the MMIP and human trafficking crises in these communities.

Garland acknowledged that there is still much work to be done in the face of persistently high levels of violence that tribal communities have endured for generations. He pledged that the Justice Department will double down on its efforts and be true partners with tribal communities as they seek to end this crisis.

United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma joined in the recognition of MMIP Awareness Day, stating that every missing person is a tragedy that tears at the fabric of families, tribes, and communities. The FBI has also committed to working with law enforcement partners to address the violence that has disproportionately harmed tribal communities and families.

The Justice Department has prioritized MMIP cases through the creation of the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program. This program permanently places 10 attorneys and coordinators in five designated regions across the United States to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered indigenous people.

In addition, the Department has released a joint response to the Not Invisible Act Commission’s recommendations on how to combat the MMIP and human trafficking crisis. This effort recognizes that more must be done across the federal government to address this crisis. We will continue to hold the Justice Department accountable for its efforts to address the MMIP crisis and bring justice to the victims and their families.

The Justice Department’s actions are a step in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on any developments in the fight to address the MMIP crisis.

As we recognize MMIP Awareness Day, we must remember the victims and their families who have been impacted by this crisis. We must also acknowledge the bravery and resilience of the indigenous communities who continue to fight for justice and safety in the face of overwhelming violence.