Indiana’s attorney general files a lawsuit against the sheriff for defying the FBI on illegal immigration


Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita announced Friday that his office has filed a lawsuit against the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department for illegal immigration.

“I have filed a lawsuit against St. Joseph County Sheriff (William) Redman and his department for their continued practice of refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities,” Rokita told reporters at the news conference in South Bend, Indiana.

He continued: “This includes refusing to properly notify ICE of the release of illegal aliens as well as refusing to honor ICE detainees. This conscious decision not to cooperate with federal immigration authorities provides a safe haven for criminal aliens who must be removed from our country. and this province.”

ICE detainees refer to people who ICE asks local authorities to hold until an agent can take them into custody.

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Todd Rokita speaks

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita announced Friday that his office has filed a lawsuit against the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department for illegal immigration. (AG Todd Rokita/X)

He said the sheriff’s actions would lead to more migrants in the country illegally coming to St. Joseph County and committing crimes.

“I refuse as your attorney general to simply stand by and watch the lawlessness of law enforcement officers,” he added.

Rokita said the Sheriff’s Department is still not in compliance with Indiana law after multiple attempts to communicate with the sheriff.

He noted that Indiana will continue to support law enforcement despite the lawsuit, “but we will also hold accountable those who deserve to be held accountable.”

“My office will not stop our work here on this issue until the law is enforced and we put our people first over illegal aliens,” he said.

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Rokita said his office “would be happy to withdraw the lawsuit” if the sheriff’s department begins to cooperate.

Sheriff William Redman

Rokita’s office filed the lawsuit against St. Joseph County Sheriff William Redman and his department. (St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department)

He added that his office is also exploring potential labor tracking networks in the state, amid reports from residents of an influx of migrants into communities.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Redman and the St. Joseph Sheriff’s Department for comment.

The lawsuit comes as President Trump unveils his plan for mass deportations, with the White House saying hundreds of migrants in the country have been illegally removed since he was sworn in on Monday.

Deportation flight from the US

People are seen boarding a US military plane. The White House announced on Friday that “deportation flights have begun” in the US (White House)

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“TODAY: The Trump Administration has arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals, including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang and several illegal aliens convicted of sex crimes against minors,” wrote White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Thursday on X. “The Trump administration has also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. The largest mass deportation operation in history is in full swing.”