Recently law enforcement agencies representing the state of New Mexico, McKinley County and the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation agreed to allow each other the right to cross tribal land borders in both directions in pursuit of drunk drivers. Until the agreement, motorists suspected of driving while intoxicated would flee to the reservation because they knew state authorities had no jurisdiction.
There are now reports that New Mexico DWI cases appearing in front of one Navajo Nation judge are being dismissed when the arrest was conducted by a non-Native American. Specifically he challenges the concept of non-Native American law enforcement officers arresting Native Americans on tribal land.
The McKinley County District Attorney could not confirm or deny the allegations.
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