Attorney General remains vigilant against ‘sanctuary cities’ by warning local officials, Mayor Listenberger confirms Plymouth is not a sanctuary city'

Attorney General Todd Rokita cautioned local officials in Lake and St. Joseph counties that he will pursue legal action against them after November 8 if they refuse to follow state laws that prohibit local entities from restricting immigration enforcement activities and communications with federal immigration authorities.

“Illegal aliens coming across our unprotected Southern border for the last four years have caused a jump in crime, fentanyl overdoses, human trafficking, and an increased financial burden on state and local programs,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Hardworking Hoosiers are sick and tired of paying the price for this left-wing nonsense, and our office will not back down from enforcing state law.”

A "sanctuary city" is a local unit of government that has implemented a policy that deliberately and intentionally restricts and obstructs the enforcement of federal immigration laws.

This year, the Indiana General Assembly passed a law authorizing the attorney general to file lawsuits against any Indiana colleges, universities, or units of local government that do not comply with the Indiana ban on sanctuary cities.

Attorney General Rokita has heard from constituents about the problems caused by mass migration into areas like Lake and St. Joseph counties. His efforts to combat sanctuary cities are an important way to address these problems.

“Everyone should have the freedom and opportunity to succeed and attain a better life,” Attorney General Rokita said. “We welcome migrants to the United States who show they are thankful to be here by entering our country legally and following our laws. Simply put, if you do not follow our laws, you should not be allowed to stay.”

Attorney General Rokita has sent letters to Lake and St. Joseph counties officials warning them of impending legal action if they do not comply with Indiana law.

Attorney General Rokita also sent a letter to Monroe County officials urging them to change their policy to comply with state law. Since they have not responded, the Attorney General’s office is pursuing legal action in court against Monroe County.

During Tuesday’s “What’s Your Opinion Show” on GIANT fm WTCA, Plymouth Mayor Robert Listenberger said he was asked at one of the senior living facilities in the city if the rumor was true that the city received a federal grant to become a “Sanctuary City”.  The mayor said that is not true.  He said, “I don’t know where these things start, but I don’t think it does anybody any good spreading stuff like that.” 

City Councilman Dave Morrow was also on the show. He said he had been asked about it and told the person, “I would have known about it if the city had received a grant.”  He said there are other rumors that busloads of migrants are being dropped off at Walmart. Morrow said, “We would see that in the city because we don’t have enough housing, and they would come looking for services.

It was clarified that during the summer, migrant buses stop at Walmart to shop, but the city has not been notified of any migrants being dropped off at the shopping center.        

Mayor Listenberger said the sad thing is that people are believing the rumor.  He said, “It is important for people to realize that is not true.”