Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited New Mexico today to emphasize the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts in addressing public safety, particularly focusing on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) and human trafficking crises in Indian Country. The leaders were briefed by representatives from both Departments at the headquarters of the Interior Department’s Missing and Murdered Unit (MMU) and conducted a listening session with the Eight Northern Pueblos.
“The Justice Department is committed to working with the Department of the Interior and with our Tribal partners to confront the crisis of missing or murdered Indigenous persons and the scourge of human trafficking,” said Attorney General Garland. “I am grateful to Secretary Haaland for her extraordinary leadership and for her partnership in our urgent shared work to advance safety and security in Tribal communities and to pursue justice for Native victims of crime.”
“It was my honor to be home in New Mexico with Attorney General Garland today to share, listen, and learn about how the federal government can continue to be an active partner in the fight to end the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples and Human Trafficking crises that have plagued Indian Country since colonization began,” said Secretary Haaland. “Together, the Interior and Justice Departments have made significant progress during the Biden-Harris administration, but we must continue to do everything we can to ensure that investments, resources, and attention are paid to this critical issue.”
Under their leadership, several initiatives have been launched:
Law Enforcement Collaboration: At the 2022 White House Tribal Nations Summit, an agreement between BIA’s Office of Justice Services (BIA-OJS) and FBI was announced for effective criminal investigations in Indian Country. This includes cooperation on investigations, sharing information, establishing jurisdictional guidelines, as well as trauma-informed training for law enforcement officers.
Access to Justice Department Resources: Since 2021, over $732 million has been awarded by the Justice Department towards enhancing Tribal justice systems. These funds support child abuse case handling, combat domestic violence, support youth programs, and strengthen victim services.
Missing and Murdered Unit (MMU): Created by Secretary Haaland within BIA-OJS, MMU pursues justice for missing or murdered American Indians/Alaska Natives. Headquartered in Albuquerque, it collaborates with agencies like NamUs, FBI Behavioral Analysis Units (BAUs), FBI Forensic Laboratory among others.
MMIP Regional Outreach Program: Launched Summer 2023 by DOJ placing attorneys/coordinators at U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide aiming at preventing new MMIP cases while investigating existing ones.
Not Invisible Act Commission: Developed recommendations on combating crimes against American Indian/Alaska Native people through collaboration between various stakeholders including law enforcement agencies & family members affected by MMIP crisis.
Operation Not Forgotten: Established by FBI focusing resources on unresolved crimes within Tribal communities aimed at resolving cases/providing victim services & bringing offenders to justice.
White House Council on Native American Affairs: President Biden signed Executive Order 14053 improving public safety/criminal justice for Native Americans addressing MMIP crisis involving comprehensive law enforcement/prevention/intervention/support services continuing under Public Safety/Justice committee co-chaired by DOJ & DOI implementing all-government approach towards public safety/MMIP crisis resolution
International Collaboration: In September 2023 Canada chaired Fifth Convening Trilateral Working Group Violence Against Indigenous Women/Girls discussing human trafficking/access-to-justice agreeing continued protection/upholding rights providing accessible/culturally safe services supporting preservation Indigenous cultures/languages expected sixth gathering later this year