In an ongoing effort to combat the crisis of missing or murdered Indigenous persons (MMIP), the Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken significant steps to address unresolved cases, including that of Mona Renee Vallo. However, as of the designated deadline, the DOJ has yet to release its response to the recommendations put forth by the Not Invisible Act Commission, raising concerns about the delayed progress in addressing the MMIP crisis.
On March 2022, Mona Renee Vallo, a member of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run accident near U.S. Route 66 and New Mexico Highway 124. Authorities have been tirelessly working to identify the driver and the vehicle involved in the incident, but the case has remained unsolved, leaving Vallo's family and community searching for answers.
While there was hope that the DOJ's commitment to addressing MMIP cases, as mandated by the Not Invisible Act, would yield progress, the missed deadline for responding to the Commission's recommendations has raised concerns. One of the key outcomes of the Not Invisible Act was the establishment of the Not Invisible Act Commission, a diverse advisory committee composed of law enforcement officials, Tribal leaders, federal partners, service providers, family members of missing and murdered individuals, and survivors.
The Commission was tasked with developing recommendations to address the public safety challenges identified in the Act, including those related to MMIP cases. Among their recommendations were strategies to identify, report, and respond to instances of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples, as well as tracking and reporting data on these cases.
On May 5, 2022, Secretary Deb Haaland announced the full membership of the Commission, emphasizing the federal government's commitment to working with Tribal nations to address the crisis of missing or murdered Indigenous people. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco reaffirmed the DOJ's eagerness to support and learn from the Commission's work.
Furthermore, the Commission held its first plenary meeting on June 14-15, 2022, during which they organized a series of field hearings to gather crucial information and insights. These efforts reflect the dedication of both federal and non-federal members to bring justice to affected communities.
Crucially, the Commission submitted its recommendations to the Departments of Justice and the Interior and to Congress on November 1, 2023. As of the designated deadline, the DOJ has not released its response to these recommendations, leaving many in the MMIP advocacy community and affected families waiting for concrete actions to be taken.
In the case of Mona Renee Vallo, the delay in the DOJ's response underscores the urgency and importance of addressing MMIP cases promptly. The increased focus on MMIP cases and the collaborative efforts of federal, Tribal, local, and state law enforcement agencies, as well as non-governmental partners, offer renewed hope for finding answers and achieving justice. The DOJ's commitment to providing specialized support, mobilizing resources, and ensuring justice for American Indian and Alaska Native families remains a crucial aspect of this effort.