FBI: 177 missing Native people in New Mexico, Navajo Nation

[Judi Lynn]

Scan of databases is the first attempt by law enforcement to quantify the crisis after pressure mounts for years

SHAUN GRISWOLD 38 MINUTES AGO

Shaun Griswold
Source New Mexico

Walcie Downing was last seen in 1956. Her case is the oldest on the list. Brittney Clinton, Clark Lanaya and Jimmy Owens were last seen a few days ago, on July 14. They are the latest additions.

According to the FBI, 177 Native Americans are missing from New Mexico and the Navajo Nation.

The FBI’s list, released Monday, comes from a lengthy review of existing law enforcement databases tracking missing cases involving Native Americans. The FBI spent six months compiling the info.

The majority of the cases were reported within the last five years, though there are some from the 1970s through the 1990s. But a case like Downing’s that goes back more than 60 years shows the scope of systemic failure when it comes to finding justice for missing or murdered Native Americans in this region, and across the country.

More:
https://indiancountrytoday.com/news/fbi-177-missing-native-people-in-new-mexico-navajo-nation

[Wonder Why]

1. The article makes it seem like it's just a matter of proper reporting

with a lack of consistency and coordination. I would say it is much more than that - minorities in this country often receive less than equal concern or equal investigative efforts by the police. And without political and economic power, one often gets ignored or just lower priority treatment not only by the police but my the media, the courts, the legislative bodies and government bureaucrats both at the local as well as the state and federal levels. With nobody important caring enough to do more, nothing gets done.

[electric_blue68]

2. I'd tend to agree with you. Hopefully there would be more supportive officials sooner than later..

though I don't know how realistic that is. Maybe not so much. ☹️