Indiana attorney general files lawsuit against sheriff for defying feds on illegal immigration

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita made headlines on Friday when he announced that his office had filed a lawsuit against the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department regarding their handling of illegal immigration issues. Rokita expressed his concerns at a press conference in South Bend, Indiana, stating that the department’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities was a major issue.

Rokita highlighted the department’s failure to properly notify ICE about the release of illegal aliens and their refusal to honor ICE detainers. These actions, according to Rokita, were providing a safe haven for criminal aliens who needed to be removed from the country. He emphasized that such non-compliance with federal immigration laws could lead to an increase in crime by migrants in the country illegally.

The Attorney General stressed that he could not stand by and watch lawlessness happen within law enforcement agencies. Despite multiple attempts to communicate with the sheriff, the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department remained noncompliant with Indiana law. Rokita assured that while Indiana supported its law enforcement, accountability was essential, and those who deserved to be held accountable would face consequences.

Rokita mentioned that his office was also investigating potential labor tracking networks in the state following reports of an influx of migrants into communities. He expressed willingness to rescind the lawsuit if the sheriff’s department began to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

The lawsuit against the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department comes at a time when President Trump has unveiled a mass deportation plan. The White House reported that hundreds of migrants in the country illegally had been removed since Trump’s inauguration on Monday, as deportation flights had already begun.

In light of these developments, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to adhere to federal immigration laws while balancing the safety and well-being of their communities. Rokita’s actions underscore the importance of upholding the law and prioritizing the interests of citizens over those who are in the country unlawfully.