CHARLOTTE, N.C. – As the nation grapples with the devastating impact of the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) crisis, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is acknowledging the failure of the Department of Justice to adequately address the issue. May 5 marks National MMIP Awareness Day, a somber reminder of the persistently high levels of violence that Tribal communities have endured for generations.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, in a statement, expressed his commitment to tackling the MMIP and trafficking crises in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. However, his words ring hollow to families of the victims, who continue to wait for justice to be served. ‘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. ‘In carrying out our work, we seek to honor those who are still missing, those who were stolen from their communities, and their loved ones who are left with unimaginable pain.’
U.S. Attorney Dena J. King echoed Garland’s sentiments, stating that Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day is a time to stand with Tribal communities in honoring and remembering the loved ones who were lost to violence or remain missing. ‘It is also a moment to reaffirm our commitment to continue to collaborate with our Tribal partners to enhance public safety, address the root causes of violence that disproportionately harm Tribal communities, and support crime victims, survivors, and their families,’ King said.
The Department of Justice has made some efforts to address the MMIP crisis, including highlighting the ongoing efforts to tackle the issue in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. However, these efforts have been met with skepticism by many, who point to the lack of tangible results. As the MMIP crisis deepens, it is clear that more needs to be done to support Tribal communities and bring justice to the victims.
In recognition of MMIP Awareness Day, U.S. Attorney’s Office personnel will participate in the 5th Annual Walk and Vigil for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives on Sunday, May 5, at Oconaluftee Island Park, in Cherokee. This event serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by Indigenous nations and the need for greater action from the Department of Justice.
As the nation comes together to acknowledge the MMIP crisis, it is essential that we hold our leaders accountable for their actions. The Department of Justice must take concrete steps to address the root causes of violence in Tribal communities and provide meaningful support to the victims and their families. Anything less is unacceptable, and it is time for change.
The Department of Justice’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis can be found on the Tribal Safety and Justice website. For information on reporting or identifying missing persons, please click here. It is time for the Department of Justice to take action and bring justice to the victims of the MMIP crisis.
Related Federal Cases
- Department of Justice Steps Up Efforts Against MMIP Crisis · Alaska
- Justice for Indigenous Victims: DOJ Commemorates MMIP Awareness Day · Alaska
- Alaska Faces MMIP Crisis: DOJ Boosts Outreach, Prosecutions · Alaska
- Attorney General Garland Leads Effort to Tackle MMIP Crisis · Alaska
- MMIP Crisis Haunts Tribal Communities · Alaska
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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