Arizona Launches Alert System for Missing Native Americans Following Tragic Case
PHOENIX — In a significant step towards addressing the crisis of missing Native Americans, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has signed legislation establishing a new alert system. Named “Emily’s Law” in honor of Emily Pike, a San Carlos Apache teen whose remains were discovered earlier this year, the law aims to swiftly disseminate information about missing individuals, particularly those from federally recognized tribes.
This initiative, backed by bipartisan support, responds to increasing concerns regarding the high rates of disappearances and violent deaths impacting Native American communities. During the legislative process, Rep. Teresa Martinez emphasized the urgency of the issue: “We cannot let children go missing without somebody being alerted.”
Arizona’s alert program joins similar systems in states like Washington, Colorado, and New Mexico, utilizing culturally significant names such as “turquoise alerts” to resonate within Indigenous communities. The Federal Communications Commission has noted that many individuals missing, particularly from minority groups, fall outside existing alert criteria, prompting calls for more inclusive measures.
As part of the effort, the FBI has also offered a $75,000 reward for information regarding Pike’s disappearance. The initiative reflects a growing commitment to racial equity in missing persons cases and seeks to ensure no family endures the pain of silence.
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