For Immediate Release:
December 1, 2022
Contact: Jerri Mares – (505)321-4372
ALBUQUERQUE— Today, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas announced that two missing Indigenous persons were found safe in Albuquerque.
On Tuesday, November 29, the Bureau of Indian Affairs asked the Attorney General’s Missing & Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Task Force to assist in locating a 15-year-old female who was reported missing by her uncle, and legal guardian, from the Socorro area. Agents were able to identify the male person the 15-year-old was with and located the male person and the 15-year-old in Albuquerque. Agents ensured her safety, transported her home, and removed her from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
On Wednesday, November 30, the Attorney General’s MMIP Task Force, along with agents from the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office, MMIP analysts, and the Albuquerque Police Department, located a missing 18-year-old from Yakima, WA. The 18-year-old was found safe and living with a partner in Albuquerque. After agents ensured the safety of the 18-year-old, the 18-year-old was removed from NCIC.
“I applaud the work of my MMIP Task Force and all the agents involved in ensuring that all cases of missing Indigenous persons are given the attention and priority they deserve, and these successful outcomes highlight the need for continued attention on these cases and full cooperation between jurisdictions,” said Attorney General Balderas.
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