ACLU reviewing state lawsuit against Merrillville Town Council over ICE opposition

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The ACLU of Indiana is reviewing a state lawsuit against the Merrillville Town Council over its opposition to an immigration detention facility. 

Republican Attorney General Todd Rokita said the lawsuit marks the first enforcement action taken under the SEA 76, also known as the FAIRNESS Act. The new Indiana law requires state and local bodies to comply with the enforcement of federal immigration laws. 

The lawsuit, filed July 30, follows the Merrillville Town Council passing a resolution declaring its opposition to any new ICE processing or detention facilities within town limits.

“We are reviewing the lawsuit, but the First Amendment concerns are clear,” an ACLU spokesperson told News 8 in an email. “Local officials have a right to express opposition to an ICE detention facility, and the state should not be using SEA 76 to punish a community for speaking out.”

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