Indigenous Police Taking Charge in MMIWR Crisis.

  United in Pursuit of Justice: Indigenous Police Taking Charge in MMIWR Crisis

In the untamed terrain of the Manzano mountains, Detective Kathleen Lucero's thoughts echo with a haunting recollection from her early career as a patrol officer. In 2009, a village elder from her Native American community in New Mexico vanished while caring for his cows. This incident left a deep impact on Lucero, who felt compelled to represent her people and seek justice. Now, as Isleta Pueblo's top criminal investigator, she is tirelessly leading efforts to find missing Indigenous individuals amidst the rising crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR).

In the United States, the alarming issue of MMIWR is on the rise, deeply affecting Native American communities. Over a dozen law enforcement officers and policymakers acknowledge that there are still approximately 4,200 unresolved cases of missing Indigenous people. Poverty and the historical persecution of Indigenous communities contribute to their disproportionate vulnerability to disappearances. Despite constituting only 1% of the state's population, American Indian women and girls account for a staggering 15% of the state's female missing persons cases.

Facing challenges and the lack of support from federal law enforcement organizations, some Native American police officers are stepping up to address the crisis head-on. Acknowledging the urgency of missing person cases, they prioritize their investigations and work diligently to find the missing individuals. Detective Kathleen Lucero's unwavering commitment exemplifies the dedication of these officers who strive to ensure that the voices of missing Indigenous people are heard and their cases are not forgotten.