The recent removal of the “Not One More” report from the U.S. Department of Justice’s website raises serious concerns about the commitment to addressing violence against Indigenous people. Released in February 2023, the report documented over 250 testimonies from Native Americans about the violence endemic in their communities. Its sudden disappearance has ignited anger among lawmakers and tribal leaders, sparking fears of neglect toward ongoing safety crises faced by these groups.
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto voiced outrage at the removal, labeling it “an insult to Tribal communities.” Her commentary highlights a broader sentiment among Indigenous leaders who view this action as a serious setback in their fight for safety and justice. The DOJ has connected the report’s removal to Executive Order 14084, signed by President Trump, which seeks to define biological sex and restrict discussions around gender ideology. However, the executive order does not directly mention the Not One More report, raising questions about the rationale behind its withdrawal.
This Executive Order framing appears to send a double message: it prioritizes ideological debates over a critical issue affecting Tribal nations. Senator Tina Smith emphasized the need for genuine understanding concerning the violence in Native communities, suggesting that the administration’s actions reflect a lack of interest in addressing the underlying problems. The report was seen as a beacon of hope, with data-driven recommendations designed to bridge gaps in public safety across various jurisdictions.
Data from the report makes a grave statement about the plight of Native American women. According to a 2016 National Institute of Justice report, nearly 85% of Native women experience violence in their lifetime, with many being victims of sexual assault. This context paints a grim picture of the urgency surrounding the “Not One More” report, which served as a crucial resource for law enforcement and service providers. With its disappearance, those working to combat this crisis lose a vital tool in their arsenal against injustice.
Lawmakers such as Senator Cortez Masto and stakeholders on the ground recognize that the report’s absence hinders efforts to ensure safety and well-being in Tribal communities. It disrupts ongoing strategies that work toward reducing violence and resonates with a long-standing historical pattern of disregard for the needs of Indigenous peoples. Such neglect undermines the federal trust responsibility owed to these communities and creates further obstacles in combating crime.
The political implications are significant. Critics argue that labeling a bipartisan initiative aimed at Indigenous safety under the term “gender ideology” simplifies and politicizes the broader issue at hand. Such framing could divert attention away from urgent needs faced by Indigenous communities and force those affected to fight for attention amidst a larger and more polarizing cultural battle.
Moreover, this decision arrives against a backdrop of additional federal actions that significantly impact Native Americans. Cuts to the IRS Office of Indian Tribal Governments and freezes on crucial tribal funding are direct strikes against the resources needed to sustain these communities. Senator Michael Bennet’s remarks about aiding “wealthy tax cheats” at the expense of tribal nations underscore the perception that current policy decisions are disproportionately harming these communities.
The erasure of the Not One More report is particularly perplexing given its bipartisan origins and focus on preventing violence against some of the most vulnerable in society. This law was not a partisan issue; it was a collective acknowledgment of a crisis affecting Indigenous women and children. The core issue at hand was never about ideological divides but about ceasing violence and ensuring safety—a request supported across party lines.
Experts warn that the implications of this report’s removal extend far beyond immediate policy disruptions. The absence of a document laying out jurisdictional challenges and data gaps risks hampering long-term improvements in law enforcement training and resource allocation. It diminishes transparency and accountability, reinforcing a narrative that stakeholders are increasingly frustrated with.
Advocates for Indigenous safety and rights are now calling on the administration to revisit this decision. They argue that a misinterpretation of the executive order led to a harmful act of deleting a vital resource. As the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people continues, the loss of this report leaves a significant void in both visibility and informed response.
As Senator Smith poignantly articulated, “Tribal nations are not just another constituency. They’re sovereign nations.” The failure to reinstate the Not One More report symbolizes not only neglect but also a broader misunderstanding of the unique status and rights of Indigenous people. The silent act of removing the report sends ripples far beyond the digital realm, further eroding the sovereignty and safety that Indigenous nations rightfully deserve.
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