FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (June 2, 2026) — A bill co-authored by State Sen. Gary Byrne (R-Byrneville) that fights illegal immigration in Indiana was ceremonially signed into law today.
Senate Enrolled Act 76, also known as the FAIRNESS Act, backs up the federal government’s work to enforce immigration law with tools available at the state level and strengthens cooperation between Indiana and federal law enforcement.
To do this, 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.
The law also prohibits businesses from knowingly employing illegal immigrants and requires the Family and Social Services Administration to submit an annual report giving detailed information on how many non-citizens are enrolled in benefits programs like SNAP and Medicaid.
"The Biden administration's failed border policies put Hoosier safety at risk and made every state a border state," Byrne said. "This law aims to fix that and bring common sense back to immigration enforcement. This law is part of my effort to make sure our state is doing everything we can to stop illegal immigration into Indiana and working with federal authorities to make sure Hoosiers are protected."
Byrne encourages residents of Senate District 47 to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Byrne can be reached by filling out a "Contact Me" form online at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Byrne or by phone at 800-382-9467.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Sen. Gary Byrne (R-Byrneville, third from left) attends the ceremonial signing of Senate Enrolled Act 76, which he co-authored to crack down on illegal immigration in Indiana.
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State Sen. Gary Byrne (R-Byrneville) represents Senate District 47,
which includes Harrison and Washington counties, and most of Floyd County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Elijah Roberson, Press Secretary
Elijah.Roberson@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
