The Justice Department has strengthened its efforts to address the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIW) in Utah, with a renewed focus on prioritizing cases and building partnerships with Tribal communities.
In recognition of National MMIW Awareness Day, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland highlighted the department’s ongoing efforts to tackle the MMIW and human trafficking crises in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. “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.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins emphasized the U.S. Attorney’s Office commitment to prosecuting those who commit violence against Native Americans. “The tireless work by prosecutors and law enforcement in the last 12 months of prosecuting three individuals involved in homicides in Tribal communities in the District of Utah is proof that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to pursuing those who commit violence against Native Americans,” Higgins said.
The Justice Department has implemented the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which 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. The program prioritizes MMIP cases consistent with the Deputy Attorney General’s July 2022 directive promoting public safety in Indian country.
DEA Administrator Anne Milgram highlighted the DEA’s commitment to protecting all communities from deadly drugs, like fentanyl, and drug-related violent crime. “We know that no community has been spared from these deadly threats and we are committed to keeping Tribal communities safe,” Milgram said.
The Justice Department’s efforts to address the MMIW crisis in Utah are a crucial step towards prioritizing public safety and justice for Tribal communities. As Garland noted, “Tribal communities deserve safety, and they deserve justice.” The department’s renewed commitment to tackling this crisis is a welcome development, and one that will undoubtedly make a difference in the lives of those affected by MMIW.”
Related Federal Cases
- Justice Department Cracks Down on MMIW Crisis · Alaska
- Justice Department Cracks Down on Indigenous Violence · Alaska
- ‘Justice Falls Short in Tribal Communities: MMIP Crisis Continues’ · Alaska
- North Dakota DOJ Cracks Down on Missing Indigenous Persons Crisis · Alaska
- Justice Fails Indigenous Communities: MMIP Crisis Unabated · Alaska
Key Facts
- State: Utah
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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