Key Takeaways
• Indiana Governor Braun announced new public safety laws targeting illegal immigration, violent crime, and obscenity on May 29, 2025.
• Executive Order in January 2025 requires E-Verify for state contractors and increased cooperation with ICE and National Guard.
• Five immigration-related bills are advancing in 2025 legislature to strengthen state-federal immigration enforcement collaboration.
Indiana Governor Braun’s New Immigration Laws: What They Mean for Public Safety, Immigrants, and the State
On May 29, 2025, Indiana Governor Braun announced a set of new public safety laws that focus on illegal immigration, violent crime, and obscenity. This move is part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to address immigration enforcement and public safety in Indiana. The announcement builds on a series of executive orders and legislative actions that have shaped the state’s approach to immigration since Governor Braun took office in January 2025.
This article explains what these new laws mean, why they matter, and how they could affect people living and working in Indiana. We’ll look at the main points of the laws, the background behind them, the reactions from different groups, and what might come next for Indiana’s immigration policies.
Who, What, When, Where, and Why: The Lead
Who: Indiana Governor Braun and his administration
What: New public safety laws targeting illegal immigration, violent crime, and obscenity
When: Announced on May 29, 2025, following executive orders and legislative actions since January 2025
Where: Indiana
Why: To strengthen immigration enforcement, support federal immigration authorities, and address public safety concerns
Governor Braun’s Focus on Illegal Immigration and Public Safety
Governor Braun’s announcement on May 29, 2025, highlights his administration’s ongoing focus on illegal immigration as a key part of Indiana’s public safety agenda. While the full details of the new laws were not shared in the announcement, they are part of what the administration calls the “Freedom and Opportunity Public Safety agenda.” This agenda was first outlined in Governor Braun’s State of the State address in January 2025.
Key Points:
– The new laws are designed to target violent crime, illegal immigration, and obscenity.
– Immigration enforcement remains a top priority for the administration.
– The laws build on earlier actions, including executive orders and legislative efforts.
Indiana Senate Republicans have also supported several measures to strengthen immigration laws during the 2025 legislative session. These efforts follow previous laws that banned sanctuary cities and campuses in Indiana and gave the state’s Attorney General the power to enforce those bans.
Executive Order on Immigration Enforcement (January 2025)
One of Governor Braun’s first major actions on immigration came on January 28, 2025, when he signed an executive order focused on immigration enforcement. This order set out several important requirements and changes for state agencies, law enforcement, and contractors.
Main Directives in the Executive Order:
- E-Verify Requirement for State Vendors
- All state agencies and departments that sign contracts must require vendors to use E-Verify.
- E-Verify is an online system that checks if employees are legally allowed to work in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Vendors must certify their use of E-Verify before entering into any contract with the state.
- Reporting by Law Enforcement
- Indiana law enforcement agencies must report credible evidence of illegal immigrants with criminal histories, those suspected of felonies, or those seen as threats to national security or public safety.
- Reports go to the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center, which works with other agencies to share information.
- National Guard Cooperation
- The Indiana National Guard is now available to help the federal government, especially U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with immigration enforcement.
Governor Braun explained the reasoning behind these steps by saying, “Over the last four years, the increase in illegal aliens flooding our country has created a significant threat to public safety for Hoosiers and allowed bad actors to abuse American generosity, costing taxpayers at every level. That ends now.”
For more information about E-Verify and how it works, you can visit the official E-Verify website.
State of the State Address: No “Safe Haven” for Illegal Immigration
In his State of the State address on January 29, 2025, Governor Braun made it clear that Indiana would not become a “safe haven” for illegal immigration. He said that as the Trump administration begins to return illegal immigrants with criminal records to their home countries, Indiana would help with those efforts.
Governor Braun also pointed to a specific case to show why he believes strong immigration enforcement is needed. He mentioned a September incident where “an illegal alien stabbed a 14-year-old girl with a butcher knife in a random attack in Lowell.” This example was used to support the administration’s focus on removing people with criminal records who are in the country without permission.
Guidance for Schools: No New Directives
Some people have asked whether schools in Indiana will be given new rules or guidance about immigration enforcement. Governor Braun responded on January 29, 2025, by saying that his office is not giving schools any special instructions beyond what the federal government already requires.
Key Points:
– Indiana law enforcement will not be directed to enter churches or schools to look for undocumented immigrants.
– The state will follow federal guidelines and help find the most serious cases, such as illegal immigrants who have committed major crimes.
– Governor Braun said, “There’s nothing coming from here other than we are going to comply with what they’re doing federally.”
This means that, for now, schools and other community spaces are not being asked to take on new roles in immigration enforcement.
Legislative Actions in 2025: Bills Targeting Illegal Immigration
During the 2025 legislative session, Indiana lawmakers have introduced several bills related to illegal immigration. As of March 2025, five immigration-related bills were moving through the legislature. These bills have drawn support from Republican leaders and opposition from Democrats and immigrant rights groups.
Key Legislative Efforts:
– One bill, led by Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City), aims to make sure Indiana is “fully cooperating” with federal immigration officials.
– Senate Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) and House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) have both spoken in favor of these efforts.
– Speaker Huston said, “Immigration is a federal issue. We want to support our federal partners in that, and we’ll be looking to find that right balance.”
These bills are part of a larger push to align Indiana’s laws with federal immigration enforcement and to give state agencies more tools to address illegal immigration.
Reactions: Support and Criticism
Governor Braun’s approach to illegal immigration and public safety laws has sparked strong reactions from different groups in Indiana.
Supporters Say:
– The new laws and executive orders are needed to protect public safety and help federal authorities.
– They believe that stricter enforcement will prevent crime and reduce costs for taxpayers.
– Supporters argue that Indiana should not be a “safe haven” for people who are in the country illegally, especially those with criminal records.
Critics Say:
– The ACLU of Indiana has called the executive order “well beyond dangerous individuals by mirroring national rhetoric about targeting a ‘flood of illegal immigration.’”
– Critics argue that the order does not recognize the positive contributions of immigrants, including those without legal status, to Indiana’s economy and communities.
– Rep. Victoria Garcia-Wilburn (D-Fishers) compared the current climate to the Mexican Repatriation of the 1930s, saying, “The environment we are creating is a hostile environment for people that want to claim the Hoosier State as their home. That is not Hoosier hospitality.”
– Karla López Owens, a community leader, warned that the new bills “are going to have devastating consequences for all of us.”
These reactions show that the debate over illegal immigration and public safety laws in Indiana is both emotional and complex, with strong feelings on both sides.
Broader Context: National Trends and Federal Alignment
Indiana’s new public safety laws and immigration enforcement efforts are part of a larger national trend. After the 2024 presidential election, many states have started to review and change their own immigration policies, especially as the federal government considers new rules and enforcement strategies.
Key National Trends:
– Businesses and organizations are preparing for possible changes in how visa applications and work permits are processed.
– There may be more requests for extra evidence (called Requests for Evidence, or RFEs) in immigration cases.
– Some programs, like DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training for science, technology, engineering, and math graduates), could face new restrictions or changes.
– States like Indiana are responding to what Republican lawmakers call “the federal government’s failure to secure our borders.”
Indiana’s approach is similar to actions taken in other states that want to support federal immigration enforcement and address concerns about illegal immigration.
How the New Laws Affect Different Groups
The new public safety laws and immigration enforcement measures in Indiana will have different effects on various groups:
Immigrant Communities
– People living in Indiana without legal status may feel more at risk, especially if they have any criminal record.
– Some families may worry about increased cooperation between state and federal authorities, which could lead to more deportations.
– Community organizations may see more requests for help and legal advice.
Law Enforcement Agencies
– Police and other agencies now have new reporting requirements and must work more closely with the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center.
– The National Guard may be called on to help with federal immigration enforcement.
Schools and Churches
– For now, schools and churches are not being asked to take on new roles in immigration enforcement.
– However, some community members may still feel uneasy or unsure about their rights.
Businesses and State Contractors
– Any company that wants to do business with the state must use E-Verify to check the work eligibility of their employees.
– This could mean extra paperwork and changes in hiring practices for some businesses.
General Public
– Supporters hope the new laws will make communities safer and reduce crime.
– Critics worry that the laws could lead to discrimination, fear, and a less welcoming environment for immigrants.
What’s Next? Future Outlook for Indiana’s Immigration Policies
As the 2025 legislative session continues, Indiana is likely to see more debate and possible changes to its immigration laws. Governor Braun has made it clear that his administration will keep focusing on illegal immigration and public safety laws, especially for people with criminal records.
Possible Next Steps:
– New laws may be passed that further increase cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
– There could be more requirements for businesses, law enforcement, and other groups to follow.
– Immigrant communities and advocacy groups may continue to push back against what they see as unfair or harmful policies.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Indiana’s approach is part of a larger trend among states that want to take a more active role in immigration enforcement, especially when they feel the federal government is not doing enough.
For readers who want to learn more about Indiana’s immigration laws and how they might be affected, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security provides official updates and resources.
Takeaways and Practical Guidance
- If you are an employer or contractor in Indiana: Make sure you are using E-Verify and understand the new requirements for state contracts.
- If you are part of an immigrant community: Stay informed about your rights and any changes in state or federal policy. Seek legal advice if you have concerns about your status or risk of deportation.
- If you work in law enforcement or public safety: Be aware of new reporting requirements and the need to work with state and federal agencies.
- If you are a student, parent, or school official: Know that there are currently no new state directives for schools regarding immigration enforcement, but stay updated in case policies change.
As Indiana Governor Braun continues to highlight new laws targeting illegal immigration and public safety, everyone in the state—immigrants, employers, law enforcement, and the general public—should pay close attention to how these changes may affect their lives and communities. The situation is evolving, and staying informed is the best way to be prepared for what comes next.
Learn Today
E-Verify → An online system that confirms if employees are legally authorized to work in the United States.
Executive Order → A directive from the governor that imposes rules or policies without needing legislative approval.
Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center → A state agency that collects and shares law enforcement information for public safety and security.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → Federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and investigating criminal activities related to immigration.
Requests for Evidence (RFE) → A USCIS demand for additional documentation to support immigration benefit applications.
This Article in a Nutshell
Indiana Governor Braun’s new laws target illegal immigration, violent crime, and obscenity, enhancing cooperation with federal authorities. These measures follow executive orders and legislative efforts in 2025 aiming to improve public safety, enforce immigration laws, and require E-Verify for state vendors, impacting immigrants, businesses, and law enforcement alike.
— By VisaVerge.com
