PHOENIX, Ariz. — The governor of Arizona has signed a bill establishing an alert system for missing Native Americans within the state. This initiative, which received unanimous support from lawmakers, comes in the aftermath of the disappearance and subsequent death of a San Carlos Apache teenager.
Governor Katie Hobbs’ approval places Arizona among a growing number of states embracing similar alert systems, a trend that started in Washington state in 2022. Both Colorado and California, along with others, have implemented their distinctive versions. Recently, New Mexico introduced a “turquoise alert,” while North Dakota adopted a “feather alert.” These alert systems are thoughtfully named to reflect items of spiritual and cultural importance to Native American communities.
Arizona’s version of the alert, known as “turquoise alert” legislation, is also called “Emily’s Law” after Emily Pike. Pike’s remains were found on February 14, over 100 miles from the group home she had left in Mesa, Arizona, in late January. Her untimely death has reignited efforts to highlight the disproportionate number of disappearances and violent deaths within Native American communities. This tragic event spurred legislative amendments to acknowledge her case specifically.
During a recent session at the state house, Rep. Teresa Martinez, the bill’s sponsor, expressed her sorrow over Emily’s case. “It breaks my heart that we, the state of Arizona, didn’t even go looking for this little girl. No one looked for her,” she stated. “We cannot let children go missing without somebody being alerted.” Martinez herself has personal ties, as her great-niece is part of the Gila River Indian Community.
In parallel, last year the Federal Communications Commission established a new national alert code designed to alert the community about cases of missing and endangered persons via TVs, radios, and mobile phones. This development aims particularly to benefit Native American, Alaska Native, and Black communities, which collectively represent approximately 40 percent of missing persons in the U.S., despite accounting for a much smaller segment of the population.
Different states have employed various alert schemes that concentrate on children, certain minority groups, individuals with disabilities, and seniors. In 2024, California initiated “ebony alerts” to raise awareness about missing Black youths. Proponents of this initiative have noted successes, though they also suggest that law enforcement could issue more alerts for qualifying cases.
Arizona’s new legislation sets forth a quick response system primarily for individuals under 65 from federally recognized tribes when law enforcement deems them at risk or missing under unexplained or suspicious conditions.
Reflecting on the ongoing efforts, Pike’s uncle, Allred Pike Jr., remarked, “Like my sister says, even though she’s not here with us, she’s still making a difference.” It was revealed that Emily’s mother, Steff Dosela, was only informed about her daughter’s disappearance from the group home a week after the fact. Consequently, Arizona Senate lawmakers are scrutinizing the regulations surrounding the Arizona Department of Child Services’ group homes.
Moreover, the FBI declared a $75,000 reward for information leading to the identification of those involved in Emily Pike’s disappearance and murder. This reward supplements the $75,000 already pledged by the San Carlos Apache Tribe. Pike’s remains were discovered by Gila County sheriff’s deputies on state land adjacent to the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation.