The Lake County Sheriff’s Department has begun cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), following pressure from Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita. The change comes after a series of consultations involving federal immigration officials and the sheriff’s department.
Attorney General Rokita had previously sent two letters to the Lake County sheriff, warning that legal action would be taken if the department continued to limit cooperation with ICE in violation of state law.
“With the Lake County Sheriff’s Department now honoring ICE detainers, criminal aliens will be deported rather than just simply being released back into our communities,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Eliminating another sanctuary jurisdiction from our state is a major win for the rule of law and for Hoosier taxpayers. We will continue our ongoing conversations with ICE and Lake County to ensure they are compliant with Indiana law. We do reserve our right at all times to enforce state law, even when it comes to the County Sheriff.”
In 2023, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation that allows the attorney general to sue any local government entity or educational institution in Indiana that does not comply with a statewide ban on sanctuary jurisdictions—those that intentionally hinder enforcement of federal immigration laws.
Attorney General Rokita also noted recent lawsuits filed against Monroe County and St. Joseph County sheriff’s departments over similar issues regarding cooperation with federal immigration authorities. He stated he will continue monitoring local governments for compliance and take action as necessary.
