In conjunction with National Missing Children's Day observances, Tribes throughout New Mexico gathered in Isleta, New Mexico, to take part in a one-day training on how to respond to child abductions. On May 24, federal, state, and local law enforcement officials and Tribal members from 19 pueblos in New Mexico, the Jicarilla Apache, and Navajo Nation learned the latest methods for recovering abducted children in Indian Country.
This program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, provided an overview of missing children in Indian Country and how technology is used to exploit and traffic Native American children. A special recognition ceremony was held to honor two New Mexico officials who have implemented comprehensive child protection programs in tribal communities.