The Subcommittees on Indian and Insular Affairs and Oversight and Investigations held a joint hearing on Jul. 14 to address efforts combating the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) crisis. Subcommittee Chairmen Jeff Hurd of Colorado and Paul Gosar of Arizona released statements highlighting the focus on leveraging new technologies, coordination, and information sharing to strengthen responses to MMIP cases.
“Every tribal community deserves to know that when someone goes missing or becomes the victim of violent crime, every available resource is being brought to bear to find them and deliver justice,” said Chairman Jeff Hurd. “As the Trump administration continues to prioritize the use of new technologies and innovative approaches to strengthen public safety in Indian Country, Congress has a responsibility to examine how those tools can better support tribal communities. That is exactly what today’s hearing focused on—how emerging technologies, stronger coordination, and improved information sharing can strengthen the response to the MMIP crisis and better equip law enforcement to deliver justice.”
Chairman Paul Gosar said, “For far too long, tribal communities have endured the heartbreaking crisis of MMIP. Today’s hearing reinforced what we already know: the crisis of MMIP demands sustained attention and meaningful action. We heard firsthand how stronger coordination among law enforcement, advanced forensic technology, and innovative investigative tools are helping bring answers to grieving families and justice to victims. Congress must continue supporting these efforts and uphold our trust responsibility to tribal communities by ensuring those responsible are brought to justice and Indian Country is made safer.”
Tribal communities have faced high rates of violence for years under what is referred to as MMIP. The rates of murder, rape, and violent crime among American Indian and Alaska Native populations exceed national averages; an estimated 84 percent of AI/AN women and 82 percent of AI/AN individuals experience violence in their lifetimes.
Efforts from Congress as well as federal agencies include addressing gaps in data collection, increasing law enforcement coordination, employing advanced DNA analysis techniques, using AI-powered sonar devices for deep water searches, and drones equipped with LiDAR technology or thermal imaging optics—all intended as additional tools for law enforcement officers working on these cases.