Indiana AG Files Lawsuit to Stop “Sanctuary” School District Policies that Obstruct Federal Immigration Enforcement

AFPI Legal Joins as Special Counsel, Praises Attorney General’s Leadership

Indianapolis, IN — Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita today filed a lawsuit against Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), alleging that the district has adopted and maintained policies that violate state law by obstructing cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The complaint seeks an injunction to end IPS’s “sanctuary” policies, which prevent school employees from voluntarily assisting federal immigration authorities, even in cases involving potential family reunification or the safety of unaccompanied minors.

According to the complaint, IPS administrators and legal staff recently mobilized district employees to block a father — who was scheduled for voluntary deportation — from retrieving his son from school to depart together. Despite ICE providing lawful documentation, the school refused to release the child, triggering a multi-hour standoff that separated parent and child and disrupted federal proceedings.

The lawsuit is filed under Indiana Code chapter 5-2-18.2, which prohibits state and local entities from interfering with the enforcement of federal immigration law. The Attorney General's action asserts that IPS’s sanctuary policies create unlawful “no-go zones” for immigration enforcement and undermine the sovereignty of state law.

“No public institution in Indiana has the right to pick and choose which laws to follow,” said Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita. “When a school district refuses to cooperate with ICE, it doesn’t just break the law — it endangers students, protects criminal aliens, and sends a dangerous message to every government body in this state: that compliance is optional. Not on my watch.”

The America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a national nonprofit advancing policy grounded in constitutional values and public safety, worked alongside the Attorney General’s office in developing the legal strategy. AFPI sees the Indiana case as a model for other state leaders to hold rogue state government agencies accountable and restore lawful cooperation between local institutions and federal agencies.

“Attorney General Rokita is showing exactly the kind of leadership America needs,” said Leigh Ann O’Neill, AFPI’s Chief Legal Affairs Officer. “When state attorneys general act boldly to enforce cooperation with federal immigration law, they help protect families, uphold the rule of law, and stop the political gamesmanship that endangers our communities. We’re proud to support this work — and we stand ready to assist other AGs looking to follow Indiana’s lead.”

The complaint names multiple IPS policies before ICE entry, a “don’t ask, don’t tell” posture on immigration status, and a general refusal to comply unless compelled by judicial warrant — as in direct conflict with state law. The case seeks a permanent injunction.

AFPI will continue working with the attorney general and state leaders across the country to defend law enforcement cooperation, border security, and community safety.