GRIC Extends Enhanced Curfew for Minors through May 1

The Gila River Indian Community has extended its nighttime curfew for minors in response to ongoing incidents of violent crime within the Community. 

Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis signed a second amended Executive Order on March 28, pushing the curfew through May 1, 2025. The order continues to restrict individuals under the age of 18 from being in public places or public buildings between 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or traveling for approved reasons such as school, work, or medical care.

The amendment states, “Since February 25, when the enhanced curfew was implemented, conditions have improved, but threats to public safety remain and calls of shots fired in neighborhoods continue; and because much of the violence has taken place at night, we must continue a temporary enhanced curfew.”

It was initially set to expire on Sunday, March 9 but was extended to last throughout the month when the first amended executive order was issued on March 7.

Parents and guardians are urged to ensure that minors are home by the set curfew time and to work together with the Community and law enforcement to prevent any further incidents of violence. 

Gila River Police Department (GRPD) will continue monitoring compliance with the curfew and violators may face civil or criminal penalties. However, the executive order states that exceptions to the curfew may be made on a case-by-case basis.

The executive order was issued on Feb. 25 and states, “After careful consideration and consultation with the law enforcement officials and community leaders, there was a need to implement an enhanced curfew for minors within the Gila River Indian Community.”

The order reflects the Community’s ongoing efforts to protect its youth while working toward long-term safety solutions.

For the month of March there have been at least 50 calls reporting “simple assault” in the Community, followed by over 30 calls for theft, 27 calls for drug violations, and 21 calls for aggravated assault, according to GRPD’s crime analysis unit report. District 3 and District 4 have reported the most crimes.

Individuals are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any crimes or suspicious activity to GRPD by calling 911 in the event of an emergency, or for non-emergencies call (520) 562-4511. For anyone wishing to remain anonymous, you may notify the tip line if you are witness to or have any information regarding a crime by calling (520) 562-7144.