Missing in New Mexico Day to provide resources for relatives of missing Indigenous people

ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Department of Public Safety and Indian Affairs Department invite families and loved ones of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People to the second annual Missing in New Mexico Day on Dec. 3. The day-long event established through legislation signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham last year brings together law enforcement, forensic, medical, and social service partners to provide resources for families, friends, and loved one of MMIP.

The free public event is scheduled from 9 am to 3 pm at the Embassy Suites, 1000 Woodward Place NE, in Albuquerque.

"Searching for a missing loved one is a horrific ordeal for families, friends, and relatives. No one should have to live with those unanswered questions," Department of Public Safety Secretary Jason R. Bowie said. "This collaborative event assembles resources, expands dialogue, updates missing persons cases, and allows families to develop strategies and partnerships to find their missing family member."

New Mexico Indian Affairs Department Secretary Designate James Mountain agreed with Bowie.

"Missing in New Mexico Day is a crucial catalyst in our ongoing efforts to secure resources and justice for families facing the heart-wrenching uncertainty surrounding their missing or murdered loved ones," he said. "This in-person event not only facilitates filing and updating of missing persons reports, but also enables submitting DNA records and provides an invaluable opportunity for families to engage directly with investigators. It underscores our commitment to fostering collaboration and support, recognizing the profound impact these issues have on our communities."

The Missing Persons in New Mexico event will provide an opportunity for:

Federal, state, local, and tribal governments to meet in one location and assist families in filing missing persons reports, updating missing persons reports, submit DNA records, and meet with investigators
Individuals with missing relatives to access support services and share their stories with media outlets and
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement agencies, the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the State Medical Investigator, the Indian Affairs Department, and other state agencies to gather in one place to provide support and services for individuals and families with missing relatives

The FBI maintains a list of missing Indigenous individuals in New Mexico and the Navajo Nation at fbi.gov/mmip.

For more information, visit http//www.iad.state.nm.us/missinginnewmexicoday or contact the DPS Missing Persons Clearinghouse at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 1-800-457-3463.