EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – Indiana Governor Mike Braun is building on his immigration enforcement efforts by ceremonially signing Senate Enrolled Act 76, also known as the FAIRNESS Act.
It’s a new law that strengthens Indiana’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities, holds employers accountable for hiring illegal immigrants, and ensures no community in Indiana operates as a sanctuary for illegal immigration.
Gov. Braun says, “On day one as Governor, I made clear that Indiana would not be a safe haven for illegal immigration. With the FAIRNESS Act, we are taking the next step in partnering with federal authorities to enforce the most fundamental laws of our country and protect Hoosier communities.”
Upon taking office, Gov. Braun partnered with federal authorities and empowered the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Indiana State Police to bolster enforcement.
Gov. Braun also took action to revoke all CDLs from illegal immigrants and penalize companies who employ them, as well as partnering with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement on ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ to remove illegal immigrants driving trucks from Indiana’s roadways.
Governor Braun was joined at Tuesday’s ceremonial signing by the bill’s author, State Senator Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne), State Representative J.D. Prescott (R-Union City), and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.
Sen. Brown says, “My Indiana FAIRNESS– Forging American Independence, Restoring National Exceptionalism Safely and Securely – Act protects our sovereignty by combating illegal immigration. Our cities, universities and employers all must promote policies that put Hoosiers first.”
Rep. Prescott says, “Public safety remains a top concern in our communities, and this new law will ensure all levels of government are working together to enforce our laws, combat illegal immigration and get violent criminals off of our streets.”
SEA 76 prohibits Indiana employers from knowingly recruiting, hiring, or employing individuals who are not authorized to work in the United States. Employers who use E-Verify, or a comparable federal verification program in good faith, are shielded from liability.
The law grants the Indiana Attorney General new authority to investigate and pursue violations, ensuring that no jurisdiction in Indiana — and no employer doing business in Indiana — becomes a safe haven for illegal immigration.
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