1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen to demand immediate action and accountability regarding the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people, including the tragic case of Emily Pike. Emily, a 14-year-old member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, was reported missing from her group home in Mesa, Arizona, in late January. Her dismembered remains were discovered in trash bags along U.S. 60 near Globe on Valentine's Day, nearly three weeks later. Despite the horrifying circumstances of her death, no suspects have been identified, and her case highlights the systemic failures that leave Indigenous women and girls disproportionately vulnerable to violence and neglect. Emily's story is not an isolated incident. Indigenous people, particularly women and girls, face alarmingly high rates of violence and disappearance. Yet their cases often receive inadequate attention and resources, perpetuating a cycle of injustice. I urge you to advocate for increased funding and resources for law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate these cases. Additionally, I implore you to support legislation like House Bill 2281, which seeks to expand Amber and Silver Alert systems to include missing Indigenous people. Such measures are critical to addressing the root causes of this crisis and ensuring that no family endures the pain and loss that Emily's loved ones have suffered. Public accountability and transparency in investigations are essential. Collaboration with Indigenous communities is crucial to rebuilding trust and ensuring justice. I ask you to champion these efforts and use your platform to bring national attention to this urgent issue. The lives of Emily Pike and countless others cannot be forgotten. Their families deserve answers, and their communities deserve justice. I trust that you will take this matter seriously and work toward meaningful change. Thank you for your time and attention to this critical issue. I look forward to seeing your leadership on this matter.