In a powerful move to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people, the state of New Mexico has officially launched the “Turquoise Alert” system—a dedicated statewide alert to notify the public when an Indigenous person is reported missing and believed to be in danger.
The initiative is modeled after Amber and Silver Alerts, which are used for missing children and seniors. However, Turquoise Alerts are tailored specifically for Native American individuals, a group that has historically faced higher rates of violence, disappearance, and systemic under-response from law enforcement and media.
The new alert is named after turquoise, a stone deeply significant to many Native cultures, symbolizing protection, healing, and connection to the land.
Why It Matters
Indigenous women and girls face disproportionately high rates of disappearance and violence—a crisis that has long gone unaddressed. In New Mexico, where Native Americans make up over 10% of the population, the implementation of a tailored alert system is a long-overdue response to the ongoing crisis.
By rapidly spreading alerts and involving local communities, authorities hope to increase visibility, shorten response times, and save lives.
A Model for Other States
New Mexico now joins Washington, California, and Colorado, which have adopted similar systems in recent years. Advocates hope more states will follow, as attention grows nationwide around the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) movement.
In addition to the Turquoise Alert, New Mexico recently passed legislation allowing Indigenous students to wear regalia at school graduations, further reflecting the state’s broader commitment to honoring Native communities and cultural sovereignty.
What’s Next
The success of the Turquoise Alert system will depend on interagency coordination, strong communication with tribal authorities, and public cooperation. Advocates stress that this is a step in the right direction, but more work is needed—from improving law enforcement resources to increasing federal support for MMIP investigations.
Still, the launch of this system sends a clear message: Indigenous lives matter, and Native communities deserve justice, protection, and respect.
