Committee approves bill to set up 287(g) grant program and authorize local voluntary participation

Senate Bill 430 establishes a grant program under which the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) would be authorized to provide financial assistance and promulgate rules to facilitate local law enforcement agencies that voluntarily wish to participate in a federal 287(g) program with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Representative Jeter presented the bill on behalf of the Senate sponsor and emphasized the program is voluntary for local agencies.

Why it matters: The bill would create a state mechanism to help local agencies pay training and travel costs for officers who would participate in the 287(g) program, which delegates some immigration‑enforcement tasks to trained local officers under DHS oversight. Supporters said grants would help recoup manpower and travel costs associated with training.

Discussion highlights: The sponsor and witnesses described two currently available training options: a roughly one‑day training and a four‑week program held in South Carolina. Mike Biberstein of the Indiana Sheriffs Association said training duration affects manpower costs and that ICE was indicating trainings may be shortened or offered in‑state in the future.

Several legislators raised concerns about scope and safeguards. Representative Clicker said many local law‑enforcement officials are "not particularly happy about having to deal with immigration situations." Representative Geter and others asked whether the 287(g) program is limited to criminal aliens; the presenter said the executive order emphasizes criminal aliens but the program is not strictly confined to that group. Representative Mosley asked whether the program's operations are limited to jails and prisons; the transcript records discussion referencing the Legislative Services Agency (LSA) fiscal note that indicates both training models commonly operate within prisons and jails and "neither permit state or local law enforcement officers to serve warrants or carry out other immigration enforcement actions outside those institutions." The presenter deferred to ICE oversight for operational parameters.

Outcome: The committee voted to pass SB 430; the clerk recorded a vote of 12 yes and 1 no (Representative Pack voted no). The clerk announced "Bill passes 12 to 1." Witnesses and sponsors repeatedly stated the program is voluntary for participating local agencies and that grants are intended to offset training and travel costs.