Indiana Enforces Immigration Laws Statewide

The Indiana House has approved a bill that would prohibit local governments and universities from restricting immigration enforcement, regardless of which agency is involved. The measure also requires authorities to notify judges if someone in custody is subject to an immigration detainer and obliges them to comply with all related requests.

State law already prohibits governmental bodies from limiting the enforcement of federal immigration laws, but this bill adds language clarifying that institutions cannot interfere regardless of whether the action is carried out by a federal, state, or local agency. Additionally, state law prohibits employers from knowingly hiring or recruiting individuals who are in the country illegally.

"President Trump and border czar Tom Homan have been making great strides in securing our border and removing those from our country who have entered illegally with a priority on those that have committed additional crimes first," said bill author Rep. J.D. Prescott, R-Union City. "But we have a part to play here in Indiana as well. We can do that with this legislation."

The bill passed the House along party lines, with Democrats expressing concerns that it does not provide stiff enough penalties for employers who violate immigration laws and that it sends an inhospitable message to those looking to make their home in Indiana legally.

"It threatens our Hoosier hospitality," said Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, D-Fishers. "The narrative of being opposed to legal immigration is a narrative we should universally reject. Who among you does not have an immigration story?"

The bill now heads to the Senate, where lawmakers will take their midsession break next week and return to the Statehouse on March 3.