A new bill in Indiana has sparked strong reactions from local law enforcement, particularly in Scott County. The bill, House Bill 1158, introduced by Republican state Representatives Ryan Lauer and Garrett Bascom, would require each sheriff with a county jail to sign a written agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The aim of the legislation is to bolster immigration enforcement at the local level, but it has raised concerns about funding, local autonomy, and the burden on small counties.

The Controversial Bill

Under House Bill 1158, if passed, Indiana sheriffs will be required to enter into an agreement with ICE to participate in a federal immigration program. This program, established under the Immigration and Nationality Act, allows ICE to delegate certain immigration enforcement tasks to local law enforcement agencies. These tasks may include assisting with the identification, detention, and deportation of undocumented immigrants.

Scott County Sheriff Jerry Goodin has voiced strong opposition to the bill, calling it “a slap to the face to law enforcement.” Goodin, who has served as sheriff for several years, argues that local law enforcement has been fighting immigration issues for decades without adequate support from the state or federal government.

“We’ve been asking for help for over 30 years now. Talk’s cheap,” Goodin said. “I’ll tell the governor, this talk’s cheap.”

Goodin’s criticism centers on the bill’s lack of financial support for counties that will be asked to participate in federal immigration enforcement. While local law enforcement is expected to assist with deportation processes, there are no guarantees of funding to cover the costs of housing, transporting, or processing immigrants.

The Governor’s Push

Governor Mike Braun has been an advocate for tougher immigration policies in Indiana. During his recent State of the State address, Braun emphasized the need for stronger measures to prevent illegal immigration. He also pointed to incidents like a violent attack in Lowell, Indiana, where an undocumented migrant allegedly stabbed a 14-year-old girl. The governor stressed that Indiana would not be a “safe haven” for illegal immigrants.

“We will do whatever we can to help protect our southern border and end this crisis,” Braun said. He also announced an executive order aimed at increasing cooperation between state agencies and federal agents, including ICE.

However, while the governor expressed support for law enforcement, he did not provide additional funding for the resources needed to carry out these new responsibilities. Goodin and other sheriffs worry that they will be left to handle the financial and logistical burdens of the legislation without adequate resources from the state or federal government.

Local Law Enforcement’s Concerns

For Sheriff Goodin, the issue is not about cooperating with federal agents but about the lack of financial backing. He explained that his office already works with federal law enforcement when requested, but he has concerns about the costs and logistics involved in the proposed bill.

“If the federal agents bring them to our place and want to house them, that’s fine,” Goodin said. “But you’re going to have to tell us what we need to do once they get here. Where do we transport them to? How much? Who’s going to pay the transportation cost?”

Goodin emphasized that the sheriff’s office is already struggling with daily budget constraints, and he questioned whether the federal government would step in to cover the additional costs associated with the bill’s requirements.

Impact on Small Counties

Sheriff Goodin’s concerns are shared by other local law enforcement officials in Indiana. Orange County Sheriff Davy Henderson also spoke out about the bill, expressing his commitment to upholding both the U.S. and Indiana Constitutions. Henderson emphasized that his office would continue to assist other law enforcement agencies but reiterated that the new legislation should not impose undue financial strain on small counties.

“We will continue to conduct business as usual in Orange County by continuing to uphold and remain within the confines of the United States Constitution as well as the Indiana Constitution,” Henderson said.

The bill, if passed, would take effect on July 1, with all sheriffs required to sign an agreement with ICE by January 1, 2026. While the proposed legislation is designed to give local law enforcement more authority in immigration enforcement, it has also highlighted the deep divisions over how to handle illegal immigration in Indiana.

The Path Forward

As the bill makes its way through the legislative process, it remains to be seen how lawmakers will address the concerns raised by law enforcement. While the bill has received strong support from some members of the state legislature, it has also sparked resistance from local sheriffs who are wary of the financial and logistical implications.

For now, the debate over House Bill 1158 continues to divide opinion in Indiana, with law enforcement officers calling for more support from the state and federal government as they navigate the complexities of immigration enforcement.

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