New Mexico creates alert system for missing Native Americans

A new bill in New Mexico aims to establish a "turquoise" safety alert system for missing Native Americans. The state Legislature has approved the bill, and it is now headed to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who supports it. This initiative seeks to address the rising number of disappearances and killings in Native American communities. The proposed alert system will work similar to existing “amber” and “silver” alert systems. It will allow law enforcement to send out urgent cellphone alerts when there is evidence that a Native American is in imminent danger of going missing. State Senator Angel Charley, a co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized that many cases of missing and murdered Native people have not received adequate attention. She expressed hope that this new measure will improve the response to such cases. Other states like California, Washington, and Colorado have already implemented similar alert systems. Arizona is also exploring the idea following a tragic incident involving a young Native American girl. New Mexico is home to 23 federally recognized tribes, including the Navajo Nation. The bill comes during a busy legislative session that has focused on issues impacting Native American communities. Another bill recently signed by the governor allows students to wear their Native American cultural regalia at graduations and other ceremonies.