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Indiana Attorney General Addresses Non-Compliance Claims Against Local Sheriff's Bill Redman and Oscar Martinez

Writer's picture: Logan FosterLogan Foster

By Logan Foster – Redress South Bend


October 16, 2024—Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has raised concerns over the compliance of two Indiana law enforcement agencies with state immigration laws. On October 11th, 2024, Rokita issued letters to the St. Joseph County Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, which he later released on his official social media account on October 16th, drawing public attention to the issue.



The letters, addressed to Sheriff Redman of St. Joseph County and Sheriff Martinez of Lake County, claim that both departments have policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, contravening specific provisions of the Indiana Code. The communication highlights reports from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which categorize these agencies as non-cooperative. Specifically, Rokita notes that the St. Joseph County Police Department failed to honor nine ICE detainer requests between March 1 and September 3, 2024. Similarly, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office reportedly neglected 31 such requests in the same period.


Attorney General Rokita demands that these agencies confirm their policies and, where necessary, cease any practices that are inconsistent with state law. If the agencies fail to respond satisfactorily, Rokita indicates that legal action may follow to ensure compliance.


As the situation unfolds, both law enforcement agencies are under significant pressure to clarify and possibly adjust their policies to align with state regulations, amidst close scrutiny from both state authorities and the public.





Text of the full letter sent to St. Joseph County/Sheriff Bill Redman:


October 11, 2024

St. Joseph County Police Department