FBI dedicates resources to indigenous women, children in Indian Country

More than 220 cases were handled in the FBI's recent "Operation Not Forgotten" for women and children who were crime victims in Indian Country.

“By expanding our presence in Indian Country and working closely with tribal law enforcement agencies and community advocates, the FBI aims to achieve meaningful and impactful progress in solving these cases and bringing justice for victims and their families and loved ones," said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate.

The emphasis dedicated over 40 FBI special agents, intelligence, analysts, staff operations specialists and victim specialists to 10 FBI field offices whose designated regions support women and children in indigenous communities.

As part of the initiative, the Salt Lake City FBI received six special agents and a staff operations specialist who spent 30 to 90 days on temporary assignment between July and September.

Resident agencies in Montana, Coeur d’Alene and Vernal, Utah, each received one special agent. Three special agents and the SOS were staffed in Billings, Mont.

Special Agent Shohini Sinha said the FBI recognizes that indigenous women and children are too often the victims of violent crime.

“This operation reaffirms our commitment to keeping our tribal communities safe and working closely with our tribal partners to hold perpetrators accountable," Sinha said. "Every victim matters, and every family deserves justice for criminal actions against their loved ones.”