Indiana law IC 5-2-18.2 prohibits any local government from enacting sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Indianapolis cannot adopt sanctuary-city status, and Marion County Sheriff complies with ICE detainer requests within constitutional limits.
Indiana Code 5-2-18.2, enacted in 2011, prohibits any governmental body or postsecondary educational institution from adopting policies that restrict the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Local agencies must cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requests for information and detainer holds. The Indiana Attorney General can sue noncompliant jurisdictions, and a 2024 amendment authorized civil penalties. Marion County Sheriff's Office honors ICE detainers when supported by a judicial warrant or probable cause, balancing the state mandate against Fourth Amendment limits established in Morales v. Chadbourne. Indianapolis cannot declare sanctuary status; mayoral statements offering reassurance to immigrant communities do not change the legal landscape.
Local officials adopting sanctuary policies, refusing ICE cooperation, or restricting officers from inquiring about immigration status. Indiana AG can sue, and 2024 amendments add civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation.
See how Indianapolis's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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