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LEGAL NEWSLINE

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Attorney General investigates Seymour and South Bend police over immigration policy compliance

State AG
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Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita | Ballotpedia

Amid concerns from community members and officials, Attorney General Todd Rokita has issued civil investigative demands (CID) to the Seymour and South Bend police departments. The investigation seeks to determine if their immigration policies comply with state law.

"We are working to ensure units of local government are following the law," stated Attorney General Rokita. "We are putting Hoosiers first – not illegal aliens."

The CID requests information on both departments' immigration-related communications, cooperation, and enforcement policies. Indiana law allows the attorney general to investigate local government entities with policies that limit communication or cooperation with federal immigration authorities or enforcement of federal immigration law.

Rokita has directed the Seymour and South Bend police to provide all relevant documents by November 8, 2024. "A failure to comply with the CID may result in legal action," he said. "If the documents produced show that either police department has unlawful immigration policies on the books, we will take action as warranted to ensure compliance with state law."

Attorney General Rokita is also suing Monroe County Sheriff's Department for refusing to rescind its unlawful immigration policies and has sent demand letters to officials in Lake and St. Joseph counties about potential legal actions if they fail to comply with state law.

Earlier this year, similar letters were sent to East Chicago, Gary, and West Lafayette officials who subsequently worked to rescind their unlawful policies after receiving these communications.

Rokita's office will continue evaluating other local governments regarding compliance with state laws on immigration policy.

The CIDs sent to Seymour and South Bend police departments have been attached for reference.

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