Attorney General Rokita warns local leaders: immediately withdraw the illegal “sanctuary city” policy.

Attorney General Todd Rokita has warned local officials in several Indiana cities and counties that he will take legal action against them after July 1 if they refuse to follow laws aimed at detaining undocumented immigrants.

Attorney General Rokita’s office sent a blunt message to officials in East Chicago, Gary, West Lafayette and Monroe County: Confirm that you have rescinded local rules allowing illegal immigration or you will face swift legal repercussions on July 1.

“The flood of illegal immigrants entering the United States is a problem that harms all of us,” said Attorney General Rokita. “The price for this lawlessness is paid by Hoosier taxpayers who must foot the increased costs of health care, education and other services that illegal immigrants rely on.”

The Indiana General Assembly passed a bill this year authorizing the attorney general to bring lawsuits against any college, university or local government entity that fails to enforce current Indiana laws banning sanctuary cities.

“Sanctuary city” is a term used to describe a local governmental entity that has adopted a policy of willfully and willfully ignoring federal law and failing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

Town hall participants and some state representatives decried the “immigrant intake centers” popping up across the state, expressing fears that crime and illegal, cheap labor will displace current residents in places like Johnson and Jackson counties.

“We welcome to the United States people who want to be patriots, who will add value to our country and who want to live in harmony with the values ​​on which this country was built,” said Attorney General Rokita. “The first way they can show this is by respecting our laws. “Those who do not respect our laws by entering our country legally should not be allowed to stay.”

Attorney General Rokita sent letters to officials in the cities of East Chicago, Gary, West Lafayette and Monroe County warning them of impending action if they do not repeal current policies that violate Indiana law.