The ongoing absence of the Not One More Report from the U.S. Department of Justice website speaks volumes about the federal government’s approach to Native American issues. Nearly a year has gone by since its removal, and the report remains offline, raising serious questions about the priority given to violence against Indigenous communities. Mandated by Congress and built on the painful testimonies of families and tribal leaders, the report was supposed to shine a light on the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people. Instead, its disappearance conveys a chilling message: that such violence is of secondary importance.
Critics from both tribal communities and lawmakers express disappointment and frustration over the situation. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, who helped author the legislation that led to the report, pointedly remarked, “They don’t really care about addressing the violent crime in our tribal communities.” Her comment underscores a sentiment among many that the federal administration is ignoring its obligations to support and protect Native individuals.
The report’s removal came shortly after an executive order aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) materials from federal platforms. This order, known as Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, has been criticized for incorrectly categorizing the report as DEI content, thereby justifying its removal. According to a Justice Department spokesperson, the report fell victim to this broad clampdown. More than 300 days later, its absence continues to be felt.
As the report remains accessible only in fragmented copies on advocacy sites, Senator Lisa Murkowski voiced a powerful critique: “If we don’t know what we don’t know, it’s pretty tough to say it’s a problem.” This highlights a critical point—the need for comprehensive data and narratives from Native communities to truly address the threats they face. The report was intended as a roadmap, offering recommendations for inter-agency coordination, funding for victim services, and much-needed access to federal criminal databases—tools that could significantly aid in addressing the invisible epidemic of violence against Native populations.
Senator Tina Smith characterized the violence as an “epidemic” affecting Native women and girls, emphasizing the need to acknowledge and understand these issues as distinct from conventional frameworks. “Tribal nations are sovereign nations. They’re not just another constituency,” she stated. This assertion reinforces the notion that Native sovereignty and identity should not be reduced to mere racial classifications within DEI discourse.
In response to the alarming absence of the report and its implications, more than a dozen tribal organizations have formally expressed their concerns to federal officials. They argue for an exemption for Indigenous materials from the DEI order, highlighting the sovereignty of tribal nations. Yet, there has been no indication that the administration will reconsider its stance. The lack of action reflects an ongoing struggle where bureaucratic definitions overshadow the unique legal and political realities of Native peoples.
The frustration among Native communities has bubbled over into public discourse. One particularly striking expression of anger emerged on social media, showcasing pervasive discontent. This sentiment captures a broader grievance among Indigenous peoples regarding bureaucratic indifference and the historical trauma they continue to face.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has offered scant information about the report’s return, merely stating that the removal was in alignment with the executive order and suggesting that parts of the document can still be found elsewhere. The absence of a clear timeline or guidance for access has only added to the frustration.
The removal of the Not One More Report raises significant concerns about the future of violence reporting against Native women. The actions of the Trump administration signal a disturbing trend that undermines not just DEI initiatives but also the very data needed to confront the crisis at hand. According to the National Institute of Justice, the statistics are alarming—over 80% of Native women will experience violence in their lives, with murder rates soaring in comparison to the national average in several areas.
While the report was designed to address these statistics, critics argue that pulling it sends a damaging message about the importance of these issues. Senator Cortez Masto powerfully stated, “They can try to keep it off the website, but the report’s there… we’re still going to move forward to address it.” Her words highlight a determination among lawmakers and advocates to continue fighting for visibility and accountability.
This situation is not isolated; it reflects a broader pattern of federal misclassification and neglect concerning Indigenous issues. A separate incident involving Leticia Jacobo, a Native American woman, underscores this troubling trend. Misapplied immigration detainers disrupted her life, displaying a concerning lack of understanding regarding Indigenous legal status. “How is she going to get deported if she’s a Native American? We have proof,” remarked her aunt, summing up the confusion that often arises from bureaucratic errors.
Such instances serve as reminders of the urgency with which these issues must be addressed. Until the Not One More Report is restored, the ongoing struggle for the rights and recognition of missing and murdered Indigenous people continues. As Senator Murkowski succinctly put it, “You can’t talk about solving a problem when the first thing you do is erase the record that proves it exists.” The call for restoration is clear; without it, the safety and sovereignty of Native nations risk being further overlooked in ongoing policy debates.
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