The state Attorney General Todd Rokita is taking a second Indiana community to court. This information was reported by The Center Square.
According to Rokita, Monroe County is in violation of a recently enacted state law that requires local officials to collaborate with federal agents to expel individuals residing in or who have entered the country unlawfully. In an attempt to enforce Senate Bill 181, which was passed by the General Assembly earlier this year, the attorney general’s office is seeking to require the county to comply and work in tandem with officials from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
Earlier in the week, Rokita had filed a complaint against East Chicago. Following suit, the announcement has been made.
During May, Rokita sent a letter to East Chicago and Monroe County, cautioning them about the newly enacted law. The law aims to invalidate local regulations and procedures that restrict city and county workers from collaborating with ICE agents regarding illegal immigration.
Monroe Circuit Court received a seven-page filing outlining a new policy enacted by Monroe County Sheriff Ruben Marte on June 29 regarding immigration status issues. The policy mandates that Sheriff’s Office employees cannot detain any person based on a “non-criminal/administrative ICE detainer.” Additionally, the office will not keep anyone in custody beyond their scheduled release date based on such a detainer. Monroe County Attorney Jeff Cockerill explained the policy to The Center Square earlier this week.
In a statement, Rokita emphasized that he had attempted to persuade the Sheriff’s Office to retract its unlawful policy through numerous discussions. However, since his efforts were unsuccessful, his office is now taking further action to implement the state law that was passed by the General Assembly. Rokita believes that illegal immigration is unjust to those who have followed the proper channels and to the diligent residents of Indiana who are experiencing mounting expenses for healthcare, education, and other services utilized by undocumented immigrants who have no right to be present in the country.
Cockerill’s office did not provide a comment when The Center Square reached out for a response.
Located approximately an hour southwest of Indianapolis, Monroe County is known for Bloomington, which serves as its county seat. Bloomington is also the proud home of Indiana University, and according to the city’s website, it is an “attractive progressive community.”
As the year of reelection approaches, Rokita has already secured the Republican nomination. His campaign strategy revolves around ensuring the safety of the residents and combating the ramifications of “open border” policies.