New Mexico introduces turquoise alert system for missing Native Americans
- The New Mexico legislature unanimously passed a bill to create a new alert system for missing Native Americans.
- The turquoise alert system will allow law enforcement to quickly share information about missing Indigenous individuals.
- This legislation is a crucial step toward addressing the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and ensuring better response times.
In early 2025, New Mexico took significant legislative action by enacting a new alert system specifically aimed at addressing the alarming rates of missing Native Americans within the state. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the effective bill shortly after it received unanimous support from both the state House and Senate, which reflects the heightened awareness and urgency surrounding this issue in New Mexican society. The legislation introduced a 'turquoise alert' system, intended to swiftly disseminate information concerning Native American individuals who disappear under suspicious circumstances or are believed to be in imminent danger. Such alerts will operate alongside existing systems like amber and silver alerts, thereby reinforcing the state's commitment to protect vulnerable populations. The necessity of this system arises from a troubling trend of violence and disappearances affecting Indigenous communities, particularly women and girls, whose cases have historically received inadequate attention from law enforcement agencies. Community leaders emphasized that this alert represents not just a procedural change, but a moral imperative to ensure that no Indigenous person is left behind when they go missing. The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women championed the bill, highlighting the increased responsiveness needed in cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous people. This legislative step is part of broader efforts in the state to confront the historical neglect of Indigenous populations and improve safety and justice for all residents. New Mexico is one of several states, including California, Washington, and Colorado, that are implementing similar alert systems to address the needs of Indigenous communities. As this issue gains traction, Arizona also considers its own alert initiative, following the tragic case of a murdered Native teenager, further underscoring the urgency of enacting protective measures for Native Americans.