FBI personnel have surged to tribal lands across the United States in past months to help solve violent crimes and cold cases impacting Native Americans, the agency told CNN in an exclusive interview…
Full story: Inside the FBI’s surge to solve violent crime on tribal lands | CNN
The FBI has taken many steps to combat crime on Tribal Lands. This is done through an Operation titled “Operation Not Forgotten”, which acts throughout reservations in 10 states within the United States. Within the operation they send agents to the different reservations, with the goal of different agents specializing on specific cases, allowing for better connections with residents of the reservations. The goal is to help get justice for those who have been victims of crimes, and assist with missing persons cases as there are approximately 200 missing from Arizona to New Mexico. Although it seemed effective, what could be unforeseen consequences of policing in reservations? I believe that the FBI can be extremely helpful in assisting the citizens of reservations, but I’m curious of the backlash or struggles faced by agents inside the reservations. Will the operation mend relationships between Native Americans and the police? Will the presence of police be consistent within the reservation or will there be a time when the agents leave, and what guidelines shape that decision?
Hi Cali! As I read this article, it seems that the FBI presence on tribal land is actually benefiting Native Americans. So, in response to your question, I feel that this operation will mend relationships between Native Americans and the police. It seems that they are finally bringing cold cases to light, as well as finding missing children, and they have already made 40 arrests in the area. They have also been helping the people in the area directly, with crisis intervention groups, emergency travel, housing and rehabilitation centers. It seems that there have been a crisis of missing Native American people, and the problem is now getting focused on to find these missing people.
Hi Cali!! I agree that the FBI’s efforts, such as “Operation Not Forgotten,” to combat crime on Tribal Lands are important and can be beneficial for addressing crimes and missing persons cases. However, I also believe that it’s essential to consider the potential unintended consequences of increased policing in reservations. Historically, Native American communities have experienced strained relationships with law enforcement agencies, so there is a valid concern about whether these operations will genuinely mend those relationships. It’s crucial for the FBI to engage in ongoing dialogue and collaboration with tribal leaders to ensure cultural sensitivity and respect for tribal sovereignty. Additionally, I think that clear guidelines and transparency regarding the presence and withdrawal of agents in reservations should be established to maintain trust and accountability.
In this article the FBI responds to the numerous violent crimes inside of Native American reservations. The article states that over 200 cases are being addressed revolving around violent crimes involving women and children. The article also states that 40 cases have resulted in the launching of arrests and search operations. Also introduced in the article is the FBI’s Victim Services Division. The VSD is there to provide resources to victims that help them get counseling or other such emergency resources. My question regarding this FBI response is what took so long? Why has the government ignored the high crime rate in reservations? Over 200 cases being addressed and countless others that have been ignored. Also why hasn’t the FBI VSD informed the reservations about these services sooner? This is what the article makes me think of. But as an overall question, what are the ethical implications of not addressing the high rate of violent crime sooner? How might this affect the cases being addressed by the FBI?
Hey Thomas, I was wondering the same thing. What took or what minimum was there to pass before some sort of combat plan was initiated? I know the men and women of the FBI are certainly some of the best, and solving the crimes will be easy for them, but surely these situations have happened alot earlier than 2001. I wonder how many will go unsolved
Hi Thomas, I think you make a good point in that it has taken far too long for American police to take action regarding crimes on tribal lands and against Native Americans. As we know, Native Americans and the American Criminal Justice system share a bleak and violent history. Years of oppression have degraded trust between the two parties, thus degrading Native Americans’ faith in the ability and/or willingness of police and government officials to help when they are asked to do so. This process may discourage the reporting or persistence in following up with crimes on Tribal lands and may have also contributed to the gross delay in justice that you have highlighted.
Operation not forgotten has certainly seemed like it’s helped to mend relationships between civilians and law Enforcement. I wonder though if the murders and violent crimes are between tribals or outside civilians. The worst thing though is anything like a crime happening, but having the men and women of the Bureau on the team will certainly make sure every case is solved. I didn’t know of this operation before. Certainly is definitely needed
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