Operation Not Forgotten 2026 Yields Major Arrests and Recoveries

Operation Not Forgotten 2026, a nationwide initiative focusing on unresolved cases in Indian country, has resulted in significant law enforcement actions, the U. S. Attorney's Office announced.

The operation, which ran from April 1 through September 30, led to 118 arrests and the federal charging of 41 individuals. Additionally, 25 child victims were identified or located, and 72 weapons were recovered.

The initiative, now in its fourth year, aims to address cases involving violence against women and children, including those who are missing or murdered. The FBI, alongside federal and tribal partners, conducted 990 interviews and 232 search operations during this period. The number of arrests increased by 123% compared to the previous year, with a 52% rise in the number of subjects charged.

Focus on Indian Country

Operation Not Forgotten represents the FBI's largest commitment to Indian Country, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. "This year’s operation worked more than 500 cases, a 59% increase from last year’s operation," Patel said. The cases involved serious offenses such as child sexual abuse, physical assault, domestic violence, and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) cases.

In the District of Minnesota, four defendants were charged with violent and sexual offenses, including sexual abuse of minors. One notable case involved Courtney John Barrett Sr., who was indicted on September 22, 2026, on two counts of sexual abuse of a minor.

Collaborative Efforts

The operation underscores the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting tribal communities and strengthening public safety, said Billy Kirkland, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. The Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, has been pivotal in bringing additional resources and investigative support to address violent crime in Indian Country.

United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen emphasized the priority of prosecuting crimes against children in Indian Country. "We will continue working with the FBI and our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who commit these heinous offenses," Rosen stated.

Operation Steadfast Promise

Alongside Operation Not Forgotten, the FBI also announced Operation Steadfast Promise, which began in April 2026. This initiative has opened over 1,200 new investigations in Indian Country, resulting in criminal charges against 678 subjects and over 700 arrests. The operation has also led to the recovery of 2,260 weapons and 140 drug seizures.

The FBI's commitment to Indian Country includes 400 agents dedicated to these areas, 30 Safe Trails Task Forces, and increased awareness through the Voices Not Forgotten program. This program has quadrupled rewards for information related to homicides, kidnappings, and missing persons in Indian Country to at least $25,000.

The results of Operation Not Forgotten and Operation Steadfast Promise highlight the ongoing efforts to bring justice to victims and their families in tribal communities. The operations are part of a broader strategy to ensure that unresolved cases receive the attention and resources they deserve.