Senior officials from the Justice Department and Department of the Interior held a roundtable discussion with Tribal leaders, advocates, media members, and federal officials to address the crisis of missing or murdered Indigenous peoples (MMIP) and human trafficking (HT). The virtual event was part of the response to recommendations from the Not Invisible Act Commission (NIAC), established in November 2023 under the Not Invisible Act of 2019.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland delivered video remarks at the event. "Public communication, news stories, and social media can be crucial in finding and investigating cases of missing or murdered Indigenous persons," said Attorney General Garland. He emphasized that the roundtable aimed to develop best practices for law enforcement, families, advocates, and journalists when a Native community member is reported missing.
Secretary Haaland stated, "Since day one, the Biden-Harris administration has been committed to fulfilling our promises to Indian Country." She highlighted that addressing MMIP requires breaking silence around these issues.
The roundtable followed seven field hearings and a national virtual hearing where affected individuals shared concerns about media coverage potentially contributing to unsolved cases. Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer remarked on the importance of collaboration: "The potential for immediate, real-time alerts makes media a powerful tool to get the word out fast when emergencies happen."
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland also participated in opening remarks, stressing public safety's role in improving life for Tribal communities.
In related efforts, Attorney General Garland announced over $210 million will be awarded this month by the Justice Department to support various public safety initiatives in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. These funds aim to reduce domestic violence and sexual violence, support crime victims, and provide resources for law enforcement and youth programs.
Additional background provided detailed various initiatives undertaken by both departments. These include collaborations between BIA-OJS and FBI on criminal investigations in Indian Country; creation of a Missing and Murdered Unit within BIA-OJS by Secretary Haaland; an MMIP Regional Outreach Program launched by the Justice Department; Operation Not Forgotten by FBI focusing on unresolved crimes; Executive Order 14053 signed by President Biden; international collaboration with Canada and Mexico; among others.
Best practices from this roundtable are expected to be published by year-end. Recommendations can be submitted via email at newsmedia@bia.gov by Oct. 4.