ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Alexander M.M. Uballez, has announced the selection of Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Eliot Neal as the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) AUSA for the Southwest Region. This region encompasses the Districts of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. AUSA Neal is one of five MMIP AUSAs tasked with providing specialized support to United States Attorneys’ offices to address and combat the issues surrounding MMIP cases.
The newly appointed MMIPAUSAs will play a pivotal role in assisting in the investigation of unresolved MMIP cases and related crimes. Additionally, they will promote communication, coordination, and collaboration among federal, Tribal, local, and state law enforcement agencies and non-governmental partners to address the pressing issue of MMIP.
Eliot Neal's selection for the MMIP AUSA position is based on his extensive background and experience, as well as his proven success as the District’s Tribal Liaison to the Mescalero Apache Tribe. His innate ability to develop positive professional and personal relationships with diverse individuals positions him perfectly for this critical role.
Eliot Neal's personal journey, growing up in Wilson, Wyoming, at the foot of the Teton mountain range, gave him a unique perspective on the cultural significance and challenges faced by Indigenous Americans. He was exposed to the rich history and beauty of Indian Country, as well as the hardships endured by Indigenous communities in the region.
After completing his undergraduate degree at Middlebury College and law school at Emory University, Eliot began his legal career with Cooley LLP in Palo Alto, California, focusing on securities litigation for large public technology companies. However, his desire to serve the public on a more personal level led him to transition to the role of an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico in the Las Cruces Branch Office in 2022.
Since joining the USAO, Eliot Neal has worked on a wide range of cases, including child exploitation, gun crimes, and Indian Country crimes. Notably, he was asked to serve as the District’s Tribal Liaison to the Mescalero Apache Tribe, where he successfully reestablished the District's relationship with the tribe after a fifteen-year hiatus, creating one of the strongest government-togovernment relationships in the state.
In his role as a Tribal Liaison, Eliot Neal gained a deeper understanding of the issues affecting tribal communities, including cycles of physical and sexual violence, addiction, and poverty. These challenges disproportionately impact small, tightknit families and communities within Indigenous populations.
'I am excited to be joining the Department of Justice's response to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous persons,' said Eliot Neal. 'After losing my own brother, I know how devastating it is to have a loved one taken from you. In my new role, I will do everything I can to help bring about closure and justice to those impacted by the MMIP crisis. I look forward to working with tribal and law enforcement partners throughout the Southwest region and can't wait to get to work!'
Eliot Neal's appointment as the MMIP AUSA for the Southwest Region is a significant step in addressing and combatting the issues surrounding missing or murdered Indigenous persons, signaling the Department of Justice's commitment to resolving these cases and bringing justice to affected families and communities.