Attorney General issues statement on Governor Mike Braun signing FAIRNESS Act into law

Friday, March 6, 2026 at 10:00 PM

Attorney General Todd Rokita today issued the following statement:

“This new law makes it easier for local law enforcement to do the right thing: remove criminal illegal aliens from our communities. It makes clear that state and local governments may not adopt policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities, and it requires law enforcement to comply with federal immigration detainer requests.

“The FAIRNESS Act will give my office stronger enforcement authority by allowing us to bring actions against local politicians who violate Indiana’s anti-sanctuary law and to seek both injunctive relief and civil penalties for violations.

"In addition, the law authorizes our office to pursue penalties against employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens, and it enhances the State’s ability to track the use of public benefits, including Medicaid, by non-citizens.

“Together, these reforms help advance our mission of combating illegal immigration in Indiana and protecting Hoosiers.”