Congressman calls for urgent action to protect urban tribal members in Dallas Fort Worth area
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The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations convened on November 21, 2024, for an oversight hearing focused on the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. The meeting featured a panel of experts and lawmakers who discussed the urgent need for improved systems and support for Indigenous communities.
The session began with a statement from a congressman who highlighted the presence of 20,000 urban tribal members in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, emphasizing the importance of addressing their needs. He expressed concern over the current state of safety and security for Indigenous people, particularly in light of ongoing violence and crime. The congressman shared personal reflections on the upcoming inauguration, indicating that his focus would be on protecting his family rather than attending the event.
A significant portion of the discussion centered on the need for enhanced law enforcement capabilities on tribal lands. The congressman called for a collaborative effort to eliminate jurisdictional barriers that hinder effective policing. He urged for increased volunteerism among community members to act as "warriors" in the fight against crime, stressing the importance of a robust notification system for missing persons and improved tracking capabilities, including air support for search efforts.
The conversation also touched on the necessity of training and hiring more law enforcement personnel within tribal communities. The congressman proposed a comprehensive approach to address these issues, including cross-deputization agreements to facilitate cooperation between different law enforcement agencies.
Following this, Congresswoman Betty McCollum expressed her dissatisfaction with the Department of Defense's handling of sexual assault cases, linking it to broader issues of safety for Indigenous women. She acknowledged the historical context of the crisis, recalling discussions about it dating back to her childhood in the 1970s. McCollum emphasized the need for continued advocacy and action to address the systemic issues contributing to the crisis.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from committee members to work collaboratively on solutions to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action. The discussions underscored a collective resolve to bring justice and safety to Indigenous communities across the nation.
The session began with a statement from a congressman who highlighted the presence of 20,000 urban tribal members in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, emphasizing the importance of addressing their needs. He expressed concern over the current state of safety and security for Indigenous people, particularly in light of ongoing violence and crime. The congressman shared personal reflections on the upcoming inauguration, indicating that his focus would be on protecting his family rather than attending the event.
A significant portion of the discussion centered on the need for enhanced law enforcement capabilities on tribal lands. The congressman called for a collaborative effort to eliminate jurisdictional barriers that hinder effective policing. He urged for increased volunteerism among community members to act as "warriors" in the fight against crime, stressing the importance of a robust notification system for missing persons and improved tracking capabilities, including air support for search efforts.
The conversation also touched on the necessity of training and hiring more law enforcement personnel within tribal communities. The congressman proposed a comprehensive approach to address these issues, including cross-deputization agreements to facilitate cooperation between different law enforcement agencies.
Following this, Congresswoman Betty McCollum expressed her dissatisfaction with the Department of Defense's handling of sexual assault cases, linking it to broader issues of safety for Indigenous women. She acknowledged the historical context of the crisis, recalling discussions about it dating back to her childhood in the 1970s. McCollum emphasized the need for continued advocacy and action to address the systemic issues contributing to the crisis.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from committee members to work collaboratively on solutions to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action. The discussions underscored a collective resolve to bring justice and safety to Indigenous communities across the nation.
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