Attorney General Todd Rokita today issued a statement regarding his recent legal actions against Monroe County.
"After filing a lawsuit against East Chicago earlier this week, I am now taking similar action in Monroe County over an ‘Immigration and Citizenship Status’ policy, which we find also violates state law," said Rokita.
Rokita indicated that multiple conversations with the Sheriff's Office to rescind its policy were unsuccessful. "After multiple conversations with the Sheriff's Office to rescind its illegal policy, it didn’t work, and now my office is taking the next step to enforce state law as passed by the General Assembly."
He further commented on the broader implications of illegal immigration. "Illegal immigration is unfair to those who came here the right way and to the hardworking Hoosiers who are bearing increased costs for health care, education and other services used by illegal aliens who shouldn’t be here."
Rokita emphasized that his office's actions would not be limited to East Chicago and Monroe County. "My office acted in East Chicago and Monroe County, but we are not stopping there. We will continue evaluating other local units of government and ensuring the law is followed.”
A headshot of Attorney General Rokita is available for download. A copy of the complaint is attached.