Operation Not Forgotten Starts Fourth Year

FBI surges personnel to address violent crime in Indian Country

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police evidence marker or crime scene tape against a stark, black background, lit by a harsh camera flash to create a gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the federal effort to address violent crime in Indian Country.Federal law enforcement surges resources to address the persistent crisis of violent crime in tribal communities across the United States.Billings Today

The Department of Justice and FBI announced the fourth year of Operation Not Forgotten, a major initiative under Operation Steadfast Promise to address violent crime and improve public safety in tribal communities. The surge of investigative, intelligence, and victim service support personnel will be deployed across 11 FBI field offices to work with tribal law enforcement, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, and U.S. Attorneys' Offices to advance open cases and pursue accountability for victims and their families.

Why it matters

Operation Not Forgotten reflects the federal government's sustained commitment to addressing the persistently high rates of violent crime in Indian Country, including cases involving violence against women and children. The initiative aims to provide much-needed investigative resources and coordination to resolve long-standing unresolved cases and deliver justice for victims and their families.

The details

Operation Not Forgotten is part of the broader Operation Steadfast Promise, the FBI's comprehensive effort to tackle a range of violent crime threats in tribal communities, including gangs, crimes against children, and fugitive apprehension. The latest deployment will surge personnel across 11 FBI field offices to work directly with tribal law enforcement, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, and U.S. Attorneys' Offices to advance open investigations and pursue accountability.

  • Operation Not Forgotten was established in 2023 and is now starting its fourth year.
  • The latest surge of personnel and resources under Operation Not Forgotten 2026 was announced in early April 2026.

The players

Kash Patel

FBI director, who stated that the FBI is committed to working with tribal partners to address unacceptably high rates of violent crime in Indian Country.

Rob Cekada

ATF deputy director, who said the surge represents federal law enforcement at its best in coordinating, intelligence-driven efforts to fight violent crime in Indian Country.

Doug Burgum

Secretary of the Interior, who said Operation Not Forgotten reflects the Department of the Interior's commitment to Native families and the partnership with the FBI to deliver long-overdue justice.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit

A unit established during the Trump administration that has brought national focus to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons crisis and is working alongside the FBI on Operation Not Forgotten.

U.S. Attorneys' Offices

Federal prosecutors who are coordinating with the FBI and other partners on Operation Not Forgotten to pursue accountability for victims and their families.

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What they’re saying

“For far too long our tribal partners have been forgotten while their communities suffer unacceptably high rates of violent crime. Last year's Operation Not Forgotten was a tremendous success in delivering the resources long needed in Indian Country – and we are just getting started. This FBI will continue working together with our tribal and federal partners to again surge personnel to block violent actors who think they can act lawlessly within these revered communities.”

— Kash Patel, FBI director

“This surge represents the federal law enforcement at its best; coordinated, intelligence-driven, and focused on delivering justice. ATF is proud to stand alongside our partners to bring the full weight of our investigative and forensic capabilities to fight violent crime in Indian Country. This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no community is overlooked and that every victim receives the justice they deserve.”

— Rob Cekada, ATF deputy director

“Operation Not Forgotten reflects the Department of the Interior's unwavering commitment to Native families and the strength of our partnership with the FBI to deliver justice where it is long overdue. Established during President Trump's first term, the Bureau of Indian Affair's Missing and Murdered Unit has brought national focus to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons crisis – driving stronger investigations, tighter coordination across jurisdictions, and renewed attention to cases that for too long were left unresolved. That work continues with urgency and purpose today, as we stand alongside the FBI to pursue answers for families and uphold our trust responsibility to Native communities.”

— Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior

What’s next

The FBI encourages anyone with information related to unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country to contact their local FBI field office or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov.

The takeaway

Operation Not Forgotten demonstrates the federal government's sustained commitment to addressing persistently high rates of violent crime in tribal communities, particularly cases involving violence against women and children. By surging investigative resources and improving coordination across agencies, the initiative aims to resolve long-standing unresolved cases and deliver justice for victims and their families in Indian Country.