‘Native children belong in Native communities’: tribes decry New Mexico drug-exposed newborn rule (opens original article in a new tab)

New Mexico's directive to take custody of drug-exposed newborns has drawn criticism from Native tribes, who argue it conflicts with sovereignty laws and historical protections for Indigenous children.

• New Mexico's governor issued a directive to take custody of newborns exposed to drugs in utero, prompting criticism from Native tribes.
• Tribes argue the policy conflicts with laws protecting Native sovereignty and the Indian Child Welfare Act, which prioritizes keeping Native children in Native communities.
• Advocates highlight that the policy may lead to unnecessary separation of Native families and echoes historical practices of forced assimilation.