GRANTS, N.M. – New Mexico is working to enhance transparency and communication surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) cases in New Mexico, with the launch of a new online portal, Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced on March 12. The portal, funded by Senate Bill 12 passed in the 2022 legislative session, provides real-time, public access to active MMIP cases across the state, fostering improved communication between law enforcement agencies and the public.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez emphasized the importance of breaking down communication barriers and providing direct access to information regarding MMIP cases.
'This portal is a critical first step in that process and will provide invaluable insights for policymakers,' Torrez said. The initiative aims to facilitate better communication between law enforcement agencies and enable anyone to provide new leads regarding pending investigations.
The portal, developed by the New Mexico Department of Justice, has garnered support from various partners, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and tribal law enforcement agencies. FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda expressed full support for the initiative, noting that the portal would offer families transparency and provide additional tools for proper reporting of missing persons.
“We fully support our partners at the New Mexico Department of Justice as they roll out this important initiative,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda. “Although our state, and the Navajo Nation, has access to the most accurate data on missing persons in the country, their work will offer families transparency while providing additional state focused tools to ensure proper reporting for their loved ones. Along with support from our partners, this more robust MMIP effort undertaken by the NMDOJ makes all of New Mexico a safer place.”
Funds for the development of the portal were allocated through Senate Bill 12, which also mandated the creation of a position to support the effort, currently being actively recruited for. Additionally, Senate Joint Memorial 002 calls for the establishment of an MMIP task force by the NMDOJ, comprising tribal government representation, law enforcement leaders, and community advocates.
The MMIP task force, as outlined in Senate Joint Memorial 002, is set to be announced this year. It will serve as a platform for collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the challenges surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous people in New Mexico.
Individuals interested in accessing the portal and learning more about its functionalities can visit the following link: MMIP Portal Guide.
The launch of the MMIP online portal marks a step forward in the state's efforts to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people, providing a platform for increased transparency, collaboration, and public engagement in ongoing investigations.
MMIWR Portal PHOTO