The Indian country of Minnesota again sees efforts to investigate unsolved crimes

Morton, Minn. -Aana Negrete was sitting on a bench surrounded by members of the Lower Sioux Community, the leaders of the tribe in a gloomy exchange two trash cans.

“I hope that helps,” said Negrete quietly, pointing to black boxes that were filled with objects that she wishes you should never use: tools to find missing indigenous people.

Negrete leads the lack of and murdered indigenous relatives (MMIR) of the state, a unique effort to combat the disproportionately high rates of violent crimes against indigenous people. The kits delivered this month are part of a wider strategy in which tribal, local and state resources are involved – and now a promised increase in federal amplification.

Last month, the Trump government announced that the “Operation” of the FBI with more agents for swarms Indian country, including in Minnesota, in the “longest and most intensive national commitment” of FBI investigators who aim to call up criminals against indigenous people. In Minnesota the promise of hope – but also deep skepticism. Some are wondering whether the government will adhere to its promises. Others wonder whether the long -term solution has to come from the inside, since many crimes concern victims and perpetrators from the same community.

“It's actually a bit ironic. It is no secret that the Indian community in Minnesota is very critical of [Donald] Trump, ”said Irene Folstrom, a former director of public security, who worked with the MMIR office.

The latest phase of the not forgotten operation will increase an increase in agents of a total of 60. The third mission since the beginning of the initiative in 2023. Last year it was closer to 50.

“The additional resources from the company, which were not forgotten together with our continued partnership with local, federal, federal and tribal authorities, will strengthen the efforts of our committed staff to bring cases closer to the resolution,” said Alvin Winston Sr., Special agent for the Minneapolis FBI office.

The operation was created after the Federal Government's Task Force began for missing and murdered Indians and Alaska region, which Trump found in his first term by an executive regulation.