SANTA FE, N.M. — In a decisive move to address the pressing issue of missing Native American individuals, the New Mexico Legislature has approved a new safety alert program, known as the “turquoise alert,” specifically designed for such cases.
This initiative, which received unanimous support from the state Senate on Thursday, now awaits the signature of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has expressed her backing of the measure.
The legislation is in response to the alarming number of disappearances and violent incidents involving Native Americans in the state. Once implemented, it will allow law enforcement agencies to disseminate information swiftly when a Native American is reported missing under circumstances that suggest they may be in imminent danger.
Inspired by similar systems like “amber” alerts for children and “silver” alerts for elderly individuals, the “turquoise alert” will utilize cellphone notifications to galvanize public assistance in finding missing individuals where urgent threat levels are identified.
Democratic state Sen. Angel Charley of Acoma Pueblo, who co-sponsored the bill, emphasized the urgency to address the issue, stating, “I carry with me countless stories of how our system has failed to respond to the disappearance or murder of Native people in our state. We have answered the call.”
Echoing the efforts seen in other states, the New Mexico Department of Indian Affairs notes that regions such as California, Washington, and Colorado already have similar alert systems in place.
In Arizona, lawmakers are currently discussing the establishment of their own alert system following the tragic murder of San Carlos Apache teenager Emily Pike—a case that has had a profound impact on Native American communities.
New Mexico is home to 23 federally recognized tribes, including significant areas belonging to the Navajo Nation and Fort Sill Apache. The welfare of these communities has been a focal point during a legislative session that concludes this Saturday at noon.
Additionally, in a recent development spurred by the spirit of cultural heritage and free expression, Governor Lujan Grisham signed a bill on Wednesday to allow students to wear Native American regalia during graduation ceremonies and similar scholastic events.
