The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) announces the release of the much-anticipated Minority and Missing Report, a comprehensive review of the disproportionate impact of missing persons cases among Indigenous persons and minority communities. This groundbreaking report has been produced in partnership with key law enforcement agencies and community organizations and sheds light on a critical issue that has long been underreported and underinvestigated.
The report highlights the key findings collected over the past year from a review of publicly available state agency data, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) National Crime Information Center’s Missing Person’s File, and data from community groups such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The report also calls for an increase in resources for law enforcement agencies and public awareness efforts to combat the ongoing minority and missing, and murdered and missing Indigenous persons crises. The findings also underscore the unique challenges faced by Native American communities, particularly women and girls, who experience disproportionate rates of abductions, disappearances, and violence.
Key Findings from the Report:
A significant and growing number of minorities, particularly Black and Indigenous people, remain unaccounted for in the United States. The data suggests systemic disparities in the reporting of missing persons cases involving these communities, even within the same state.
Law enforcement agencies report a lack of resources, training, and protocols tailored to addressing cases involving minority and marginalized groups, which often leads to delayed responses and unresolved cases.
There is a marked difference in media coverage and public attention given to missing persons cases based on race and ethnicity, with cases involving People of Color receiving significantly less media coverage compared to their white counterparts.
“We have long known that American Indian and Alaskan Native families suffer from a crisis of missing persons, but this report finally puts the full scope of this tragedy into focus,” said Mark Macarro, President of the National Congress of American Indians. “By collaborating with our partners in law enforcement and community organizations, we are shedding additional light on this critical issue and creating a framework for better response and accountability, ensuring that no one is left behind in our pursuit of justice.”
NCAI has long advocated to bring awareness and action to the ongoing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons and Relatives crisis facing American Indians and Alaska Natives. To further expand these efforts, NCAI has joined the Minority and Missing Initiative with the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), National Child ID Program, Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the National Football League Alumni Association’s Caring for Kids Campaign. These organizations have worked tirelessly together to assess the challenges and propose solutions to ensure that missing persons cases are treated with the urgency and importance they deserve, regardless of the individual’s race or ethnicity.
“I am grateful for the work of NOBLE, NCAI, and FBI-LEEDA to compile the most comprehensive report on minority and missing, and murdered and missing Indigenous persons, bringing attention to these important crises. I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure every child is brought home safely to their families,” said Kenny Hansmire, Executive Director of the National Child ID Program.
Recommendations Include:
Increased resources and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community organizations to enhance outreach and information sharing.
A national campaign to raise awareness about missing persons in marginalized communities, including a commitment to equitable media coverage.
The development and implementation of targeted training programs for law enforcement officers to address the cultural and systemic barriers contributing to the disparities in response.
A national public awareness campaign to raise awareness amongst the public, particularly within minority communities.
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