An exasperated Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico) is demanding answers from the Biden administration about public safety in Native communities.

At a hearing of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on May 22, 2024, Luján said he asked the Department of Justice for information about prosecution rates in Indian Country. He said the agency has not released the data requested in a written letter.

“To get data back should not take a subpoena,” Luján said at the hearing in Washington, D.C.

“We’re talking about the life and safety of people that have been getting killed and murdered and have been ignored,” said Luján, whose state of New Mexico is home to more than 20 tribal nations, including one of the largest in the United States.

Luján said Department of Justice staff answered some information about prosecution rates in Indian Country during a briefing. But he insisted that wasn’t enough.

“I want them in writing so we can hold people accountable,” said Luján.

The exchange took place at an oversight hearing titled “Examining Public Safety and Justice Resources in Native Communities.”

Oversight Hearing titled, “Examining Public Safety and Justice Resources in Native Communities” (May 22, 2024)