Missing and Murdered Indigenous People: Strengthening Public Safety in Tribal Communities

The House Judiciary GOP held a hearing on September 15, 2026, focused on the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIP) and public safety challenges in tribal communities. Witnesses, including tribal leaders, attorneys general, and advocates, discussed jurisdictional complexities that hinder investigations and prosecutions, the need for improved coordination among tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement, and the critical importance of sustained funding and resources for tribal law enforcement and victim services. Several legislative efforts and federal initiatives, such as the Savannah's Act, Not Invisible Act, and Operation Notforgotten, were highlighted as steps taken to address the crisis, though witnesses emphasized ongoing gaps in funding, training, and accountability. The hearing also addressed issues like Medicaid fraud schemes impacting tribal communities, the influence of drug cartels, and the need for better data sharing and case tracking. Lawmakers expressed bipartisan concern and called for Congress to act on jurisdictional reforms, increased funding, and enhanced federal-tribal collaboration to improve outcomes for Indigenous victims and their families.