Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has advised the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) and Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) to end policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, warning of potential legal action if these practices continue.
Rokita stated that both IMPD and IPS leaders have expressed intentions to restrict their engagement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in identifying and deporting individuals who are in the country illegally. Indiana law prohibits local government entities from limiting enforcement of federal immigration laws or restricting cooperation with ICE.
“Illegal aliens coming across our Southern border have caused a jump in crime, fentanyl overdoses, human trafficking, and an increased financial burden on state and local programs,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Hardworking Hoosiers are sick and tired of paying the price to accommodate unlawful conduct. IMPD and IPS need to put Hoosiers first and cooperate with ICE or face legal consequences.”
Rokita emphasized his office’s ongoing focus on illegal immigration issues. In 2024, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation giving the attorney general authority to file lawsuits against Indiana colleges, universities, or local government units that do not comply with a statewide ban on sanctuary policies. These sanctuary jurisdictions are defined as those intentionally restricting enforcement of federal immigration laws.
“Under Indiana law, neither IMPD nor IPS has discretion to decide whether ICE should receive their cooperation and assistance,” Attorney General Rokita said. “The Indiana General Assembly has set for the state and all of its subdivisions a policy of full, robust cooperation with federal immigration authorities. As attorney general, I am entrusted with the enforcement of that policy.”
Letters sent by Rokita to both agencies outline these concerns.
