California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a bipartisan group of 39 attorneys general in urging Congress to support the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act (TWFA). The proposed legislation aims to improve public safety in Indigenous communities by allowing tribes to work with the U.S. Marshals Service, particularly in addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP).
Indigenous communities have faced higher rates of violence, murder, and disappearances compared to other populations. The coalition’s letter highlights the importance of deploying law enforcement resources quickly where they are most needed.
“For too long, Tribal Nations have borne the brunt of violence, historical harms, and ongoing barriers when seeking answers, justice, and safety,” said Attorney General Bonta. “In order to alleviate this crisis, we need to not only listen, but to push forward meaningful structural change. I’m proud to join a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in support of the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act, which is an important step to removing barriers to public safety for tribal communities. We’re at our best when we work together, when we listen, and when we co-create solutions. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to stand with our tribal and law enforcement partners to protect the safety and well-being of our tribal communities.”
If enacted, TWFA would enable federal law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service to assist tribal authorities in finding missing children upon request from tribal law enforcement. This measure is expected to increase the chances of safe recovery within critical timeframes after a disappearance occurs.
The act would also permit tribal law enforcement officers—again at their own request—to participate on the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Apprehension Task Force. This task force operates across federal, state, and local levels with a focus on locating and arresting dangerous fugitives.
In their letter, the attorneys general:
– Express strong support for TWFA’s potential impact on searching for missing children and apprehending fugitives.
– Suggest expanding criminal penalties related to interstate flight from prosecution or investigative processes so they apply within tribal proceedings.
– Commend Congressional efforts that seek to provide full access for tribal law enforcement agencies to federal public safety resources.
Attorney General Bonta signed onto this initiative along with attorneys general from states including American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Utah Washington West Virginia Wisconsin.
