The signing of SB41 marks a pivotal moment for New Mexico, as it introduces the Turquoise Alert System. Designed to spread information quickly about missing Indigenous persons, this system aims to improve the chances of recovery and ensure that such cases receive the urgent attention they deserve.
Tiffany Jiron, Executive Director of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW), expressed her support for this initiative. She stated, “Today, we celebrate a victory for Native communities across New Mexico and beyond. The signing of SB41 is not just a policy achievement, it’s a victory for every Native mother, daughter, sister, and aunt who has ever been impacted by the violence that continues to ravage our communities." Jiron acknowledged the efforts of Governor Michelle Luján Grisham, Senator Angel Charley, Senator Cindy Nava, Representative Michelle Paulene Abeyta, and Representative Charlotte Little in bringing this bill to life during the 2025 legislative session. The Turquoise Alert System "is a powerful tool that will help law enforcement act quickly when a Native person goes missing," she added.
Jiron highlighted the historical neglect of Native women and girls in such cases, emphasizing that the Turquoise Alert System is a critical step in addressing these issues. “This bill reflects our deep commitment to ensuring that no Indigenous person is left behind when they go missing," Jiron stated. She noted the recurring issues in the handling of missing and murdered Indigenous women and relatives (MMIWR) cases and recognized the law as a means to prevent further heartache for families.
Jiron sees this development as a significant victory for advocacy and resilience in Native communities. However, she stressed that the passing of SB41 is only part of a broader effort to tackle the MMIWR crisis. Jiron concluded, “We look forward to working alongside our law enforcement partners and all relevant stakeholders to implement this system swiftly and efficiently, ensuring that it works for the families who need it most.”
