FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paige Gehlhausen, Press Secretary
Paige.Gehlhausen@iga.in.gov
317-232-9425
Contact: Leah Tanner, Press Secretary Intern
Leah.Tanner@iga.in.gov
Zay: Bill to enforce existing ban on sanctuary cities in Indiana passes Senate
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 24, 2024) – A bill co-authored by State Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington) to enforce state law prohibiting sanctuary cities in Indiana passed the Senate Monday, Jan. 22 by a vote of 37-9.
Senate Bill 181 would amend existing law to authorize the Indiana attorney general to file suit against any Indiana college, university or unit of local government not enforcing current Indiana laws banning sanctuary cities.
The General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act 590 in 2011 to enact current law, which prohibits local governments and their employees, including police, from refusing to communicate or cooperate with federal immigration authorities to protect noncitizens who entered or remained in the U.S. without legal permission.
"Passing legislation that ensures the safety of all Hoosiers should always be a priority for lawmakers," Zay said. "Allowing illegal immigrants in Indiana to reside in 'sanctuary cities' is something that I will not stand for. It is extremely important that immigrants work through the process to enter and remain in the U.S. legally. If we don't enforce our immigration laws, we are compromising the social services and safety of our communities, and the trust of those who have gone through the process the right way and are here legally."
The bill will now move to the Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration. To learn more about this bill, click here.
-30-
State Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington) represents Senate District 17,
which includes Grant, Huntington and Wabash counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
