The U.S. Justice Department is increasing its efforts to tackle violent crimes on tribal lands by sending more FBI personnel across the country, including Arizona, through Operation Not Forgotten. This initiative, announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is the largest national deployment of resources to address crimes in Indian Country and aims to help investigate a large backlog of cases.
Over a six-month period, a total of 60 FBI agents will rotate through select FBI field offices, including Phoenix. In Arizona, where the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI have a special trust relationship with 22 federally recognized tribes, 11 agents are expected to be spread across offices on a rotating basis. U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine, underlining the importance of public protection, said, “Operation Not Forgotten reflects the continued commitment of the federal government to pursue justice for crime victims in all Native American communities.”
Working alongside the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, the surging FBI resources will collaborate with Tribal law enforcement to process outstanding cases of violent crimes. Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Perez from FBI Phoenix conveyed that daily partnerships with local law enforcement were focused on investigating serious crimes in tribal territories, adding, “this initiative will provide much needed additional resources to help us better serve those same communities by assisting victims and bringing criminals to justice,” as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office…