Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has issued a warning to two local jurisdictions in the state that are refusing to comply with President Donald Trump's mass deportation program for illegal immigrants. Rokita emphasized the importance of state and local law enforcement officials providing the level of cooperation allowed by federal law.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) and Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) have stated their reluctance to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. IMPD Chief Chris Bailey highlighted that local police lack the authority to enforce federal immigration law and have no intentions of participating in immigration sweeps. Similarly, IPS officials have made it clear that ICE agents will not be permitted onto school grounds without a criminal warrant.
Rokita expressed concern over the defiance shown by these jurisdictions and warned of potential legal consequences if they continue to resist cooperating with ICE. He cited a recent lawsuit filed against the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department for persistent refusal to comply with federal immigration detainer requests. The lawsuit alleges that the department failed to honor nine detainer requests from ICE, impeding efforts to apprehend illegal immigrants in the county.
Indiana University and the local sheriff's office were also mentioned by Rokita for their non-compliance with federal immigration laws. He stated his intention to pursue legal action against these entities to address what he referred to as 'bad behavior.'
President Trump's ICE raids have been ongoing nationwide, with a recent operation resulting in the detention of 700 illegal immigrants, 500 of whom had prior convictions or charges. The administration continues to prioritize immigration enforcement efforts.
