Federal investigations into missing and murdered Native people are facing significant delays because of staffing shortages, funding diversions and a growing case backlog, according to an Interior Department audit released Sept. 9.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Missing and Murdered Unit had 83 open cases and nearly 400 pending referrals awaiting assessment, with no established timeframe for reviewing them.
Auditors found that 39% of the unit’s funding had been redirected to other BIA law enforcement expenses, while nearly half of its positions were vacant last year.
Families say the limited staffing has left them without adequate updates or support. The family of Peter Martin, who has been missing from the Fond du Lac reservation for two years, said the unit had only two victim specialists nationwide.
The BIA said it has adopted several audit recommendations, including improving its referral process and strengthening staff training.
The findings have renewed questions about whether federal resources should be directed more directly to tribal authorities and affected families.
Related Tweet:
Staffing problems stall U.S. investigations of missing and killed Indigenous people https://t.co/QpTrxEY7ip
— CTV News (@CTVNews) September 16, 2026
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