A sharp rise in immigration arrests has swept Indiana in 2025, with noncriminal immigrants making up a growing share of those detained. This surge comes even though only a few local police agencies in Indiana have formal partnerships with ICE, the federal immigration enforcement agency. The increase is tied to new federal arrest quotas, more funding for ICE, and policy changes under President Trump’s administration.
Noncriminal Arrests Climb Amid New Quotas
In June 2025, ICE arrested 309 people in Indiana, and 23% of them had no criminal charges. Back in January, only 6% of 136 arrests were noncriminal. This means ICE arrests in Indiana jumped by 127% in just six months. Across the United States 🇺🇸, the share of ICE arrests involving people without criminal charges or convictions reached 47% in early June, up from 21% in early May. This national jump followed a federal order that tripled ICE’s daily arrest quota from 1,000 to 3,000.
ICE’s Indianapolis team made more than 30 arrests in just 24 hours in July, crediting their success to help from local police, especially those with 287(g) agreements. These agreements let local officers help ICE with immigration enforcement.
Local Partnerships and Legislative Moves
As of July 2025, only four law enforcement agencies in Indiana have signed 287(g) agreements with ICE: the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Noble County Sheriff’s Office, and Green Forks Police Department in Wayne County. These partnerships allow local officers to carry out certain immigration enforcement tasks. Nineteen more 287(g) applications are pending nationwide.
Indiana lawmakers tried to pass a bill that would have required all sheriffs in the state to join the 287(g) program by January 1, 2026. The bill did not pass, but it would have made participation mandatory, with some requirements starting as early as October 1, 2025. Indiana also bans sanctuary cities and campuses, giving the state Attorney General the power to enforce these bans.
Federal Funding and Detention Expansion
A major federal law passed in 2025, called the “One, Big Beautiful Bill,” gives tens of billions of dollars to immigration enforcement. This money funds up to one million deportations each year, pays for 10,000 new ICE agents, and builds detention centers for up to 100,000 people. Indiana’s Camp Atterbury is now a federal detention facility, drawing criticism from some local officials and advocacy groups.
How ICE Arrests Happen in Indiana
- Identification: ICE identifies people suspected of breaking immigration laws, often after local police hand them over or through direct operations.
- Arrest: ICE officers, sometimes with help from 287(g) partners, arrest people at homes, workplaces, or during traffic stops.
- Detention: Those arrested may be held in local jails, ICE facilities, or federal detention centers like Camp Atterbury.
- Processing: ICE processes people for removal, which can mean quick deportation or a hearing in immigration court.
- Deportation: If a judge orders removal, the person is deported. The new federal funding aims to support up to one million deportations each year.
Different Views on Enforcement
Federal officials say the focus is on public safety. Tricia McLaughlin, a top official at the Department of Homeland Security, claims that 70% of ICE arrests are “criminal illegal aliens with convictions or pending charges.” However, this number is disputed and lacks clear evidence. Austin Kocher, a researcher at Syracuse University, explains that ICE can arrest immigrants suspected of breaking immigration laws, even if they have no criminal record.
Some local police, like the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), refuse to join immigration sweeps. IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said in January 2025 that his department does not and will not take part in these operations.
Elected officials are split. Rep. Victoria Spartz strongly supports more border security and enforcement, while Rep. André Carson has criticized the use of Camp Atterbury as a detention center. Sen. Todd Young and Rep. Rudy Yakym have both backed more funding for border security.
Advocacy groups, including the Indiana State AFL-CIO, Indivisible Central Indiana, and the Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance, have protested against increased ICE funding and enforcement. They argue that the money should go to community needs instead.
Impact on Indiana’s Immigrant Communities
The rise in noncriminal immigration arrests has caused fear and anxiety among Indiana’s immigrant families. Many worry about being detained even if they have no criminal record. Protests have grown as ICE activity and detention capacity increase. The patchwork of local cooperation with ICE means that enforcement can vary widely depending on where someone lives in Indiana.
Legal experts point out that most ICE arrests start with local police handing people over, not with federal sweeps. This makes state and local policies very important in shaping what happens to immigrants.
Background: The 287(g) Program and Indiana’s History
The 287(g) program lets local police help with immigration enforcement. Indiana’s use of this program has grown in 2025, but not all agencies take part. The state has a history of banning sanctuary cities and has considered, but not yet passed, laws to make 287(g) participation mandatory for all sheriffs.
The Trump administration’s 2025 executive orders and budget have pushed for more ICE arrests, more funding, and a wider scope for operations. This has led to the current surge in Indiana and across the United States 🇺🇸.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Indiana?
More Indiana agencies may join the 287(g) program in late 2025 or 2026, especially if federal pressure continues. The state legislature could revisit the idea of making 287(g) participation mandatory. Community protests and advocacy are likely to grow as enforcement expands and more people are detained.
The federal government’s goal of one million deportations each year and permanent bans on reentry for those deported will keep driving aggressive enforcement. The policy landscape remains uncertain, with ongoing debates and legal challenges.
Practical Steps and Resources
For those seeking more information or needing to report immigration enforcement activity, the ICE Tip Line is 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423). Details about the 287(g) program and participating agencies can be found on the official ICE 287(g) program page.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Indiana’s 2025 surge in immigration arrests—especially of noncriminal immigrants—shows a clear shift toward broader enforcement. This has led to more fear in immigrant communities and sparked strong debate over the future of immigration policy in the state and the country.
Immigrants, families, and advocates should stay informed about local policies and know their rights. Community groups and legal aid organizations can offer support and guidance. The situation in Indiana is changing quickly, so keeping up with official updates and seeking help when needed is more important than ever.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement responsible for immigration enforcement and detention.
287(g) Program → A federal program allowing local law enforcement to assist ICE with immigration enforcement tasks.
Deportation → The official removal of a foreign national from the United States for violating immigration laws.
Detention Center → Facility where ICE holds immigrants suspected of violating immigration laws pending removal or hearings.
Federal Arrest Quota → A mandated number of daily ICE arrests set by federal government policies.
This Article in a Nutshell
Indiana experienced a surge in immigration arrests in 2025, driven by new federal quotas and funding. Noncriminal immigrants accounted for a growing share, raising community fears. Local cooperation varies widely, with only four agencies holding 287(g) agreements. Federal law expands ICE’s capacity for detentions and deportations nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
