Importance Score: 85 / 100 🟢
New Mexico Launches Turquoise Alert System for Missing Indigenous People
New Mexico has become the fourth state nationwide to institute a specialized alert system for missing Indigenous individuals. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham formalized the initiative by signing legislation on Monday, establishing the “turquoise alert.” This crucial step aims to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people in New Mexico.
Addressing the Crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People
The newly enacted legislation, which received unanimous support in both houses of the state legislature during the recent session, underscores the escalating awareness surrounding the urgent issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people, predominantly women and girls. This bipartisan consensus highlights the severity of the problem and the need for immediate action.
Community-Led Efforts and State Support
State Representative Michelle Paulene Abeyta, a Diné member and one of the bill’s sponsors, emphasized the significance of the alert system. “Communities like mine are acutely aware of the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people,” she stated. “For years, we have independently mobilized to locate missing loved ones through local coordination and social media engagement. The implementation of the turquoise alert will empower the state to bolster these community-driven endeavors, enhancing the protection and safe return of our people.”
Disproportionate Impact on Indigenous Communities
Statistics reveal the disproportionate impact of violence on Indigenous American and Alaska Native communities, experiencing elevated rates of murder, rape, and violent crime compared to national averages. A 2016 National Institute of Justice study indicated that four out of five American Indian and Alaska Native women have endured violence in their lifetimes, with over half experiencing sexual violence.
Underreporting and Systemic Gaps
Compounding the issue, a significant percentage of violent crimes against women go unreported to law enforcement. In 2016, the US Department of Justice received 5,712 reports of missing Native American women and girls, yet a mere 116 of these cases were officially documented in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. This disparity underscores systemic gaps in reporting and data collection.
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New Mexico’s Missing Indigenous Population
According to the New Mexico Department of Justice, an estimated 200 Indigenous individuals are currently missing within the state, with cases averaging over 1,600 days unresolved. This alarming figure emphasizes the urgency and necessity of the turquoise alert system.
A Critical Step Forward for Justice and Safety
Josett D Monette, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, stressed the importance of the new alert system. “Too many Native American families have endured the trauma of a loved one’s disappearance without the prompt response they deserve,” Monette stated. “The turquoise alert system represents a vital advancement in ensuring that missing Native American people receive the same prioritized attention as other emergency alerts. This legislation reaffirms New Mexico’s steadfast dedication to justice and the security of our Indigenous communities.”
Turquoise Alert System Functionality
The turquoise alert system, named after the revered stone prominent in Diné jewelry, will operate similarly to existing “Amber” or “Silver” alerts. Upon law enforcement notification of a missing Native American individual, mobile phones will receive an alert, disseminating critical information to the public.
Other States and National Context
California, Washington, and Colorado have previously established analogous alert systems. In the wake of the tragic death of San Carlos Apache teenager Emily Pike, Arizona lawmakers are also considering implementing a similar initiative. Washington’s alert system, since its inception in 2022, has issued 114 alerts, successfully locating 101 missing individuals, demonstrating the efficacy of such programs.
New Mexico’s Indigenous Demographics
New Mexico is home to 23 federally recognized tribes, resulting in one of the highest per capita Indigenous American populations among all states. This demographic context underscores the critical need for culturally sensitive initiatives like the turquoise alert system.
Federal Initiatives and Leadership
In 2020, Deb Haaland, upon being appointed the first Indigenous cabinet secretary in the United States by then-President Joe Biden, established a Missing and Murdered Unit within the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Haaland, formerly a New Mexico congresswoman, announced in February her candidacy to succeed Lujan Grisham as New Mexico’s governor when the Democrat’s term concludes in 2026, further highlighting the ongoing political attention to Indigenous issues in the state.