Grimy Times Exclusive: Las Vegas – The Justice Department is strengthening its efforts to address the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle the MMIP and human trafficking crises in Tribal communities, and other pressing public safety challenges like the fentanyl crisis. “There is still so much more to do in the face of persistently high levels of violence that Tribal communities have endured for generations, and that women and girls, particularly, have endured,” Garland said. “Tribal communities deserve safety, and they deserve justice.”
U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada emphasized the importance of government-to-government partnerships in improving the safety and well-being of Tribal communities. “This is why, throughout the year, our office meets with Tribal leadership, Tribal law enforcement, and community groups to hear challenges, share resources and information, and strengthen our relationships,” Frierson said.
The FBI and DEA also pledged to continue their efforts to combat the violence that has disproportionately harmed Tribal communities and families. “We will continue to prioritize our support of victims and will steadfastly pursue investigations into the crime impacting American Indian and Alaska Native communities,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “DEA’s top priority is protecting all communities from deadly drugs, like fentanyl, and drug-related violent crime,” added DEA Administrator Anne Milgram.
The Justice Department has prioritized MMIP cases through the creation of the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program. The 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.
Nevada is home to 28 federally recognized tribes, bands, and communities located on 31 Indian reservations and colonies. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has resources, including a Tribal Liaison, dedicated to promoting safety and security on tribal lands. The Justice Department’s commitment to addressing the MMIP crisis is a step in the right direction, but much work remains to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of Indigenous communities.
Related Federal Cases
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- Oregon Feds Step Up for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day · Washington
- Feds Crack Down on Missing, Murdered Indigenous Persons · Alaska
- MMIP Crisis Deepens: DOJ Struggles to Address Epidemic of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons · Alaska
- North Dakota DOJ Cracks Down on Missing Indigenous Persons Crisis · Alaska
Key Facts
- State: Nevada
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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