Indy Standard

State Representative Garrett Bascom's legislation, House Bill 1393, is progressing through the legislative process after gaining approval from a committee. The bill mandates that law enforcement officers report individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if they are arrested for a misdemeanor or felony.

Bascom, representing Lawrenceburg, explained the bill's intent: "In Indiana, we welcome anyone who wants to work, live and thrive in our local communities. Unfortunately, some of these individuals who come to the United States are not here in good faith, and this common-sense bill would allow our local law enforcement agencies to help our federal government root out bad actors that have been arrested for crimes."

The proposed legislation aims to facilitate cooperation between state and federal law enforcement by aligning with recent federal laws like the Laken Riley Act. Bascom emphasized that sharing information with ICE could assist in identifying and potentially removing criminal elements from Indiana communities.

The House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety committee passed House Bill 1393 with a vote of 9-2. The bill will now proceed to the House floor for further debate and consideration. More information about the bill is available on the Indiana General Assembly's website at iga.in.gov.