FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paige Gehlhausen, Press Secretary
Paige.Gehlhausen@iga.in.gov
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Brown's bill to crack down on illegal immigration ceremonially signed into law
STATEHOUSE (June 2, 2026) — A bill authored by State Sen. Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne) to crack down on illegal immigration in Indiana was ceremonially signed into law today by Gov. Mike Braun.
Senate Enrolled Act 76 will help fight illegal immigration in Indiana by backing up the federal government's work with tools available at the state level and strengthening cooperation between Indiana and federal law enforcement.
"Indiana has made it clear that we will not turn a blind eye to illegal immigration," Brown said. "SEA 76 strengthens our ability to uphold the rule of law and ensures our state is not a safe haven for those who disregard our laws. The bill also provides law enforcement with the training and support they need to carry out illegal immigration enforcement tactics effectively and responsibly."
Brown says her FAIRNESS Act will help put a stop to illegal immigration in Indiana through four key components.
Bolstering law enforcement training and cooperation
SEA 76 requires police and government entities to comply with immigration detainer requests against individuals in their custody. It also requires the Indiana Department of Correction to establish minimum standards and training opportunities for county jails to ensure proper cooperation with U.S. immigration enforcement.
Clarifying Indiana's ban on sanctuary cities and campuses
The bill clarifies that government entities cannot restrict immigration enforcement by federal, state or local law enforcement agencies in any way and specifies that a government entity can violate the sanctuary ban even if its action was not done "knowingly" or "intentionally."
Prohibition on employing illegal immigrants
The bill prohibits employers from knowingly or intentionally recruiting, hiring or employing illegal immigrants and allows the Attorney General to pursue legal remedies against employers suspected of employing illegal immigrants.
Ensuring financial assistance only goes to Hoosiers who are here legally
Finally, SEA 76 requires the Family and Social Services Administration to submit an annual report to the legislature detailing information on how many non-citizens are enrolled in, or receiving benefits from, programs like SNAP, TANF and Medicaid.
"The Biden administration's failure to secure our nation's borders has created serious challenges for states across the country, from the spread of deadly drugs to increased public safety concerns," Brown said. "Indiana cannot afford to sit on the sidelines any longer. This legislation takes meaningful steps to protect Hoosiers, support law enforcement and reinforce our commitment to the rule of law. I am grateful to my colleagues, law enforcement and others who helped advance this legislation across the finish line."
Each provision listed above will be in full effect July 1, 2026.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Sen. Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne) attends the ceremonial signing of the bill she authored, SEA 76, to crack down on illegal immigration in Indiana.
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State Sen. Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne) represents Senate District 15,
which includes a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
