Key Partners Involved

Federal Bureau of Investigation has investigative responsibilities for federal crimes committed on nearly 200 Indian reservations nationwide and shares the federal jurisdiction with the BIA. In 2022, the MMU and the FBI began working on establishing a process to streamline the way in which missing and murdered cases are screened, reviewed, and tracked within both Bureaus. The standard processes should be finalized in late 2023 and includes identifying the lead investigative agency and assigning a case agent to investigate. This effort promotes teamwork across both Bureaus and is a direct result of Executive Order 14053, on Improving Public Safety and Criminal Justice for Native Americans and Addressing the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People. Both Bureaus will continue to finalize these efforts in 2023.

Agents are seeking public assistance and information on open cases, many of which involve missing or murdered victims in Indian Country.

If you have information concerning any of the FBI cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous).

In alignment with Public Law No. 116-165, Savanna’s Act, the MMU is also tasked with developing a Multi-Disciplinary Group Initiative. This work is underway with MMU leadership participating in discussions with representatives of the Department of Justice to develop strategies to improve collaboration between federal partners. One key strategy includes developing Multi-Disciplinary Groups to review missing and murdered case referrals. This process will be tested as a pilot project in New Mexico, South Dakota, and Washington state when staff are hired later this year.

The Joint Commission on Reducing Violent Crime Against Indians coordinates prevention efforts, grants, and programs related to the murder of, trafficking of, and missing Indians across Federal agencies, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs, the Office on Violence Against Women; Office of Community Oriented Policing Services; Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Office of Tribal Justice.

DOJ, Tribal Justice and Safety Program for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons is committed to addressing the persistent violence endured by Native American families and communities across the country, including by working with Tribal nations to address the important issues of missing or murdered indigenous persons. The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. It also recognizes the broader public safety and public health concerns that underlie many of these cases and require solutions from across the Department's components.

Office on Violence Against Women The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) provides federal leadership in developing the national capacity to reduce violence against women and administer justice for and strengthen services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. NOTE: OVW does not provide services directly to the public. If in immediate danger, please call 911.

Office of Community Oriented Policing Services is responsible for advancing the practice of community policing by the nation's state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies through information and grant resources.

Office of Tribal Justice serve as the program and legal policy advisor to the Attorney General with respect to the treaty and trust relationship between the United States and Indian tribes. It also serves as the point of contact for federally recognized tribal governments and tribal organizations with respect to questions and comments regarding policies and programs of the Department and issues relating to public safety and justice in Indian country. It is responsible for coordinating with other bureaus, agencies, offices, and divisions within the Department of Justice to ensure that each component has an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely consultation with tribal leaders in the development of regulatory policies and other actions that affect the trust responsibility of the United States to Indian tribes; any tribal treaty provision; the status of Indian tribes as sovereign governments; or any other tribal interest.