Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
In its second year, Operation Not Forgotten, a joint operation between the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Office of Justice Services (BIA) surged more than 50 personnel to assist with unresolved investigations in Indian country. From June to September 2024, dedicated resources included FBI special agents and intelligence personnel who deployed to support 10 FBI field offices whose regions include Tribal communities that too often are impacted by a crisis of violence.
In the past four months, as a result of Operation Not Forgotten, more than 300 cases received increased investigative, intelligence, and victim assistance. The majority of that assistance was surged to cases involving the most vulnerable victims, including investigations of child physical and sexual abuse, child sexual abuse material, serious violent assaults, domestic violence and death investigations.
“We want our Native American communities to know we are committed to combating criminal activity on Tribal land,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough. “Unfortunately, Native Americans face some of the highest levels of violence. Combating that is among the most important work we do. With the help our partners at BIA and our dedicated agents, analysts and professional staff, we will continue to bring expertise and insight that’s critical to protecting these communities and victims and helping them heal and thrive.”
FBI and BIA efforts have currently led to over 40 arrests, over 40 search warrants being executed, 11 violent offenders were indicted, and 9 child victims were identified and recovered from situations of abuse or neglect. Additionally, FBI Victim Services Division personnel provided direct support and services to approximately 440 victims and next-of-kin, including, but not limited to, crisis intervention, case status updates, Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviews, support during investigative interviews, assistance with Crime Victims Compensation applications, resource referrals, transportation assistance, CPS coordination, and Emergency Victim Assistance Funding for lodging and other immediate expenses.
“The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services was pleased to have been apart of Operation Not Forgotten,” said Richard Melville, Office of Justice Services Director. “Joint investigative efforts between the FBI and BIA increase investigative resources and strengthens our ability to bring closure and justice for families and victims of violent crimes committed in Indian Country. This partnership is an effective tool our agencies leveraged throughout Operation Not Forgotten to achieve that important goal.”
This joint operation between the two agencies recognizes the importance of an inclusive approach to combating violent crime in Indian country. By working closely with BIA and Tribal law enforcement agencies, the FBI is establishing trusted partnerships with Tribal communities to address crime in Indian country. The FBI has more than 200 dedicated agents and 26 Safe Trails Task Forces consisting of federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement partners investigating crimes in roughly 200 Tribal communities nationwide. By expanding our presence in Indian country and working closely with our partner law enforcement agencies and community advocates, the FBI is committed to bringing closure to unresolved cases and bringing justice to victims and their families.
“Operation Not Forgotten surged additional resources to New Mexico’s Indian Country to assist the dedicated Agents and Analysts in their unwavering dedication to move cases closer to resolution,” said Raul Bujanda, special agent in charge of the Albuquerque Division. “Through our strong partnerships with local and tribal agencies our efforts to combat crime and protect the community remain a top priority.”
Operation Not Forgotten, along with the FBI’s broader violent crime mission, emphasizes the FBI’s continued dedication to address violence impacting Indian country, including Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP). The FBI is committed to maintaining close collaboration with our federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies, Tribal governments, and community members to build safer communities and protect the rights of all people.
Individuals with any relevant information about crimes or crimes in Indian Country, are encouraged to visit tips.fbi.gov to submit an online tip call 1-800-CALL-FBI or contact their local FBI office.
The following FBI field offices received dedicated personnel for Operation Not Forgotten 2024: Albuquerque, Denver, Detroit, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, and Seattle.
Additional resources relating the FBI’s work in Indian country can be found on fbi.gov: