Indiana AG Sues Local School District Over Immigration Policy

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has initiated a significant lawsuit against Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS). This legal action stems from allegations that the district is obstructing federal immigration enforcement and violating state immigration laws. Rokita asserts that public agencies in Indiana do not have the authority to selectively follow laws.

The lawsuit was filed on Thursday in Marion County, aiming to block IPS’s so-called “sanctuary” policy. This policy, established by the school board in 2017, forbids IPS officers from participating in immigration enforcement unless specifically directed by the superintendent, even preventing the collection of students’ or guardians’ immigration information.

“Sanctuary policies are concerning anywhere, but especially in educational settings,” Rokita criticized. “By refusing to work with federal agencies like ICE, the district not only breaks the law but also jeopardizes students and shields undocumented immigrants with criminal records.” He added, “I won’t let this happen on my watch.”

During a discussion with Glenn Beck, Rokita revealed that, in a troubling incident, the school district allegedly impeded an effort by a family to voluntarily leave the country to facilitate a legal return in the future.

The Attorney General described how a Honduran immigrant planned to self-deport. Yet, on the scheduled departure day, the family’s child was sent to school, complicating their plans. Rokita recounted that when the father sought to pick up his son for their departure, the school interfered, disrupting not just their plans but also ICE’s assistance.

There’s a sense of disbelief that schools could be this unmanageable, though it’s not entirely out of the question, noted Beck. Meanwhile, Rokita has highlighted a troubling pattern in which IPS has enacted multiple policies that hinder ICE operations.

The America First Policy Institute, collaborating with Rokita’s team, has pointed out that IPS’s approach may violate Indiana law. Some policies are said to not only obstruct law enforcement but may also put vulnerable children at risk by effectively keeping them hidden from authorities.

Rokita reiterated the danger posed by sanctuary policies in schools, urging ICE involvement to ensure the safety of children. “That’s why we are taking action against IPS to ensure compliance with state law and to protect our schoolchildren,” he said.

Lee Ann O’Neill, the chief legal officer at the America First Institute, commended Rokita’s actions, emphasizing that state attorneys general must boldly enforce immigration laws to protect families and uphold legal standards.