The U.S. Department of Justice is intensifying its efforts to address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) in the United States. In Alaska, the U.S. Attorney's Office has appointed Ingrid Goodyear as the permanent MMIP Coordinator for the Great Plains Region, which includes Alaska. Goodyear has been working collaboratively with law enforcement and Tribal agencies to address MMIP in the state. Additionally, the district has hired three Tribal Assistant U.S. Attorneys to focus on prosecuting cases in rural Alaska [219d800a].
The Justice Department has created the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) program, which places 10 attorneys and coordinators in five designated regions across the United States. This program prioritizes MMIP cases and fulfills the Justice Department's promise to dedicate new personnel to address the crisis. The Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior have released a joint response to the Not Invisible Act Commission's report on combating the MMIP crisis and human trafficking. The response acknowledges the need for more action across the federal government to resolve the crisis [219d800a].
The Justice Department is also taking steps to address violent crime and the fentanyl crisis in Indian Country by forging stronger partnerships with federal and Tribal law enforcement agencies. Over the past year, the Department has awarded $268 million in grants to enhance Tribal justice systems and strengthen law enforcement responses. These efforts aim to improve public safety and provide justice for Indigenous communities affected by violence and drug-related crimes [219d800a].
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington has hired Assistant U.S. Attorney Bree R. Black Horse, an enrolled member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, to work on MMIP cases across Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and California. AUSA Black Horse brings valuable experience and expertise to the team, having previously worked in the Native American practice group at the law firm of Kilpatrick Townsend. U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref has expressed her commitment to addressing the MMIP crisis and welcomed AUSA Black Horse as the newest member of the Department of Justice [1bcd1be1].
These recent appointments and initiatives demonstrate the Justice Department's dedication to addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons in the United States. By prioritizing MMIP cases, strengthening partnerships with law enforcement agencies, and providing resources to enhance Tribal justice systems, the Department aims to ensure justice and safety for Indigenous communities [219d800a].