The New Mexico Senate has passed the Turquoise Alert Bill, a measure designed to enhance public safety and improve the response to missing persons cases within Indigenous communities. This alert system is modeled after existing systems like the Amber Alert but includes specific guidelines to address challenges unique to Indigenous populations.

Josett Monette, New Mexico Secretary of Indian Affairs, emphasized the importance of timely action in such cases: “In New Mexico on any given day, we know that there are hundreds of missing Native Americans. We also know that the first 48 hours are crucial to finding someone. This alert system would ensure that those critical hours are not missed.”

The initiative aims to improve communication between law enforcement agencies, local communities, and tribal authorities. Advocacy groups and tribal leaders have long advocated for measures like this due to the disproportionately high rates of violent crime and abduction faced by Indigenous people. The bill's passage is seen as a step forward in achieving justice and equity for these communities.

The next step for the Turquoise Alert Bill is consideration by the New Mexico House of Representatives.