US Capitol building

The Tribal Warrant Fairness Act (H.R. 7490) marks a critical shift in missing child recovery. Historically, jurisdictional gaps prevented the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) from executing Tribal warrants, often stalling investigations. This bill grants the USMS authority to assist Tribes directly, mirroring their support for state agencies where 61% of children are recovered within seven days. By integrating Tribal law enforcement into the Fugitive Apprehension Task Force, the act ensures rapid, multi-agency response. This coordination is vital for cases like Emily Pike's, where delays across reservation lines can be fatal. The legislation was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary Action on February 11.

Cell phone showing "Turquoise Alert"

The disappearance and murder of a 14-year-old girl prompted Arizona lawmakers to pass “Emily’s Law,” establishing a new emergency alert for missing Indigenous persons. The Arizona Legislature had been considering a “Turquoise Alert” system when Emily Pike, a San Carlos Apache teen, was found murdered after she was reported missing from a group home in late January. Her case prompted lawmakers to amend the original bill to include minors under the age of 18 and name the legislation in her memory. “We cannot let children go missing without somebody being alerted,” said Rep. Teresa Martinez, the bill’s sponsor. The Arizona measure follows closely on the heels of a “Turquoise Alert” the New Mexico Legislature unanimously passed. The alerts, which function similar to an AMBER Alert, provide a rapid response when an Indigenous person is reported missing and there is evidence of imminent danger. Washington, California, and Colorado have similar alerts