PHOENIX, Ariz. — The U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday that Arizona will receive a rotating team of 11 FBI agents over the next six months to help investigate unresolved violent crimes in tribal areas. This deployment is part of Operation Not Forgotten, a national effort to address the high rates of violence in Indian Country.
Largest National Push Yet to Address Tribal Crime
The FBI is sending 60 agents nationwide to assist select field offices—Phoenix among them—as part of the operation, which represents the agency’s largest and most sustained deployment focused on tribal justice. The new agents will support existing efforts alongside the Bureau of Indian Affairs and local tribal law enforcement.
“This initiative will provide much-needed resources to help us better serve these communities,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Perez.
Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes face disproportionately high crime rates, including thousands of unresolved cases involving deaths, child abuse, and domestic violence. The added personnel aim to reduce that backlog and bring closure to families.
Renewing a National Commitment to Justice
Originally launched during Trump’s first term, Operation Not Forgotten has already supported over 500 cases and led to the recovery of 10 missing children, 52 arrests, and 25 indictments. This third wave of deployment expands on that progress, emphasizing coordination across federal, state, and tribal agencies.
“The FBI will manhunt violent criminals on all lands,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This surge ensures tribal communities are not forgotten in our pursuit of justice.”
