President Donald Trump has signed a bill that expands Amber Alerts to tribal land. The legislation is named for a girl who was killed nearly two years ago on the Navajo Nation.
The new law gives tribes direct access to federal grants that law enforcement agencies use for Amber Alert systems. It also makes a permanent pilot program that offers training to tribes.
The bill’s full name is the Ashlynne Mike AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act, in memory of an 11-year-old Navajo girl who was abducted, sexually assaulted and killed near Shiprock, New Mexico, in 2016. An Amber Alert wasn't issued for her until the day after she was reported missing.
Sen. John McCain, who championed the legislation, said he's hopeful it will help prevent tragedy.
The U.S. Justice Department will review any challenges tribes face in accessing state or regional alert systems.
The Associated Press Contributed to this report.
