Resist Mandated Federal Immigration Enforcement in Indiana - FINAL VOTE THIS WEEK (UPDATED 2/23)

Updates

February 13, 2026: An amended S.B. 76 is moving back to the Senate after it passed a full vote in the House by 61 to 28.

February 4, 2026: By a 9 to 4 vote, the House Judiciary Committee passed an amended S.B. 76. Among other changes, this significant amendment empowers the attorney general to penalize government entities for noncompliance with immigration detainer requests without needing to prove intent, while granting broad immunity to officials who comply.

Senate Bill 76 is an immigration enforcement measure advancing from the Senate with a vote of 37-7 to the House of Representatives. S.B. 76 would require that local law enforcement, county jails, and other governmental bodies comply with federal immigration detainer requests, notify judges and detainees of detainer status, and record that information in official case files. The bill also legislates that enforcement of federal immigration laws may be carried out by federal, state, or local law enforcement, removes the requirement that hiring violations involve intent, and expands reporting and enforcement requirements related to employment of unauthorized workers and public benefits. Notably, the bill contains no provision for additional funding to support these expanded responsibilities.

Instead of addressing the underlying complexities of immigration policy or providing resources to support local agencies, S.B. 76 mandates cooperation with federal authorities and empowers the state to penalize noncompliant local governments and institutions. These penalties include allowing the governor to withhold state funding and requiring the attorney general to defend officers in civil lawsuits arising from enforcement actions. Together, these requirements may strain already limited local law enforcement budgets, increase legal and administrative burdens, and further erode trust between immigrant communities and public safety agencies. Call your state representative to demand they oppose Senate Bill 76.