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Governor says Indiana will sign Fairness Act to strengthen immigration enforcement
Summary
At a ceremonial event for Senate Bill 76, the governor said the Fairness Act will require local governments and campuses to honor ICE detainers, ban sanctuary jurisdictions, hold employers accountable, and protect good-faith E-Verify users; he invited questions after the signing.
The governor used a ceremonial signing moment for Senate Bill 76, known as the Fairness Act, to call for stronger state enforcement of federal immigration rules and to describe how the measure will be applied across Indiana.
The governor said the state "would not be a safe haven for illegal immigration" and argued the law will give state and local authorities more tools to enforce federal immigration statutes. He credited prior partnerships with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, referenced "Operation Midway Blitz" aimed at removing undocumented truck drivers, and said Indiana State Police would assist federal immigration enforcement where appropriate.
On the bill's key provisions, the governor said the Fairness Act "requires every governmental body in Indiana to honor ICE detainer requests," bars cities, counties and college campuses from declaring sanctuary status, and "holds employers accountable" by curbing the ability to knowingly hire undocumented workers while protecting employers that use E-Verify in good faith.
The governor acknowledged authors and sponsors of the measure, saying the bill was authored by Senator Wedd Brown and sponsored in the House by Representative J.D. Prescott. Applause followed the ceremonial remarks, and the governor told attendees that he and legislative sponsors would be available to answer detailed questions in the hallway after the event.
Asked about next steps, the governor said he intended to sign the bill and to ensure it is enforced, and he emphasized that state government would use the new statutory tools to promote what he described as public safety across Indiana.
The governor did not provide an effective date for enforcement during the remarks and directed reporters to legislative and agency staff for particulars on implementation and legal mechanics.
