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Local residents urge Yuma City Council to act on missing and murdered Indigenous women cases
Summary
Two residents used the public‑comment period to urge the council to support action on missing and murdered Indigenous women and protections for children in group homes, citing a recent Arizona case.
Two speakers addressed the City Council during the March 19 public‑comment period to seek local attention and action on missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) and child safety.
Roxanne Barley Cobana, who gave her address to the clerk and identified herself as a member of a local Indigenous community, told the council about a 14‑year‑old girl reported missing on Jan. 27, 2025, from a youth home in Mesa and later found dismembered along a highway. “Our movement calls for action,” Barley Cobana said, urging city officials to collaborate with departments and community organizations to address MMIW and protect children. She referenced the national Murdered Missing Indigenous Women Movement and asked what the city’s involvement is.
A second speaker, Conan Ehrenhausen (transcript spelling), identified himself as a resident and said he works with tribal community services; he raised questions about oversight of group homes and whether local social‑services systems are adequately protecting children. Ehrenhausen asked how cold cases affecting Indigenous children are being tracked and whether local systems are providing necessary protections and attention.
Council did not take formal action on the public comments during the meeting; speakers requested follow up and increased collaboration between the city, law enforcement and tribal communities.
