Santa Fe, NM – In a historic move aimed at improving the safety of Indigenous New Mexico residents, the New Mexico Senate today passed Senate Bill 41, the Turquoise Alert Bill, an initiative designed to quickly mobilize resources and aid in the search for missing persons. The bill passed today with unanimous support of 39-0.
The Turquoise Alert Bill would create a new statewide alert system specifically for missing Indigenous people, including Native American women and children, who are disproportionately affected by abductions and disappearances. By expanding the state’s existing alert system, the Turquoise Alert will ensure that missing persons are swiftly located, while raising awareness and mobilizing the community.
“The passage of the Turquoise Act marks a pivotal victory in the fight against the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People,” said Senate Bill 41 sponsor Senator Angel Charley (D – Laguna Pueblo, Zuni, Diné). “This bill is more than legislation—it is a commitment to action, ensuring that when an Indigenous person goes missing, the response is swift, coordinated, and relentless. By uniting law enforcement, the media, and the public, the Turquoise Alert system amplifies the urgency of these cases, making it clear: no more stolen relatives, no more silent disappearances. Safety is not just a right—it is a responsibility we all share.”
The Turquoise Alert will work similarly to existing alert systems like the Amber Alert, but with specific guidelines tailored to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities. The initiative also aims to improve communication between law enforcement agencies, local communities, and tribal authorities, ensuring that resources are used effectively in the search for missing persons.
“In New Mexico on any given day, we know that there are hundreds of missing Native Americans. We also know that the first 48 hours are crucial to finding someone. This alert system would ensure that those critical hours are not missed,” said New Mexico Secretary of Indian Affairs Secretary Josett Monette (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians).
Advocacy groups and tribal leaders have long pushed for such measures to protect Indigenous populations, who face disproportionately high rates of violent crime and abduction. The bill’s passage marks a victory in the ongoing fight for justice and equity for Indigenous people.
The bill now heads to the New Mexico House of Representatives.
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