FBI Surging Personnel to Indian Country to Crack Unsolved Cases
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a surge of personnel and other resources into Indian Country to investigate unsolved cases, including those of missing and murdered indigenous persons (MMIP).
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will send 60 personnel to ten field offices in Indian Country. They will rotate in 90-day temporary assignments over six months.
This is part of Operation Not Forgotten, initially launched during President Trump’s first term. The renewed effort is said to be the “longest and most intense national deployment of FBI resources to address Indian Country crime to date.”
FBI agents will support field offices in Albuquerque, Denver, Detroit, Minneapolis Phoenix, Seattle, Oklahoma City, Portland, Oregon, Jackson, Mississippi, and Salt Lake City. They will work in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Tribal law enforcement agencies.
“The FBI will manhunt violent criminals on all lands – and Operation Not Forgotten ensures a surge in resources to locate violent offenders on tribal lands and find those who have gone missing,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.
According to the FBI, Indian Country had approximately 4,300 open investigations, including more than 900 death investigations, 1,000 child abuse investigations, and more than 500 domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations in progress at the start of fiscal year (FY) 2025.
“By surging FBI resources and collaborating closely with US Attorneys and Tribal law enforcement to prosecute cases, the Department of Justice will help deliver the accountability that these communities deserve,” said U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Over the years, Operation Not Forgotten investigated over 500 cases, leading to 52 arrests, 25 indictments, and the recovery of at least ten children.
"We are responsible for investigating the most serious crimes in Indian Country and this initiative will provide much needed additional resources to help us better serve those same communities by assisting victims and bringing criminals to justice," said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Perez.