Photo of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office
(WFIU/WTIU News)
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office stands by its undocumented immigrant policy and communication with federal agencies, despite pressure from the state.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sued the sheriff’s office last summer, claiming it violates state law by allowing undocumented immigrants with local ties to be released from jail when charged with low-level crimes.
Sheriff Ruben Marté defended the policy then, stating his office does not enforce immigration or citizen status unless it’s legally required.
The attorney general’s office filed an amended complaint Jan. 9, stating that the policy, known as Standard Operating Procedure MCSO-12, is unlawful because it prevents employees from communicating citizenship status to federal agencies. The amended complaint also states that restricting communication and cooperation with federal agencies prevents them from fulfilling their duties.
“Our position on this issue has not changed,” said county attorney Justin Roddye in an emailed statement. “There is no intention to alter our current policy and we intend to pursue fighting for our policy through the courts.”
This comes as pressure grows on local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, both on the state and federal levels.
Gov. Mike Braun said this week that he’s ordering all state and federal law enforcement agencies to cooperate with President Donald Trump’s immigration directives, specifically helping to deport undocumented immigrants. Braun said this action is focused on identifying undocumented immigrants who’ve committed crimes.
Indianapolis Metro Police Chief Chris Bailey released a statement last week on social media, stating local police do not have the power to enforce federal immigration law. Bailey said his department has not assisted in ICE operations and does not plan to do so.
Although state law does not require local police to enter into agreements with agencies like ICE, Rokita’s suit against the Monroe County Sheriff states local law enforcement policy cannot prevent those agreements from being made. Last Friday, Rokita announced a lawsuit against St. Joseph County, claiming the county jail is breaking state law by not cooperating with federal immigration agencies.
One Indiana law enforcement agency has pledged support for federal immigration enforcement.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday it has formed an immigration commission to help enforce federal laws. Chief Deputy John Lowes said their officers are not targeting people because of their race or ethnicity, rather “illegal aliens that have committed a crime.” Officers will be trained and may become deputized by ICE.
The deadline for Monroe County to reply to Rokita’s amended complaint is Feb. 28.
