Criticism of Deb Haaland's Support for Native Communities

The murder rate in Indigenous communities across the United States is alarmingly more than double the national average, highlighting a critical public safety crisis. Despite the existence of various programs aimed at addressing violent crimes in Indian Country, a lack of a cohesive strategy has hindered effective intervention. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, who championed the Not Invisible Act in 2020 to address the high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous individuals, now faces scrutiny regarding the implementation of this initiative. The Not Invisible Act Commission has identified numerous factors contributing to the elevated levels of violence in Indigenous areas, such as Aniak, Alaska. Breanna Simeon, who assists crime victims within the Aniak tribe, emphasized the challenges faced by community members in seeking help. Similar issues are reported in other regions, including the Navajo Nation, where public safety resources are severely limited. Eugenia Charles-Newton from the Navajo Nation highlighted the critical shortage of manpower dedicated to ensuring safety in these vast territories. The commission has proposed over 300 recommendations aimed at reforming practices within the U.S. Departments of Justice and Interior. Tami Jerue, an Alaska-based commissioner, expressed concern that the report's findings may be overlooked without prompt action. While many Indigenous people hold Haaland in high regard as the first Indigenous cabinet secretary, some commissioners are beginning to question her commitment to addressing their needs, as the Department of Justice has remained silent on the matter.