Rokita dismisses ‘asylum city’ lawsuit after East Chicago repeals ‘welcome city’ ordinance

The city of East Chicago has repealed its 2017 welcoming city ordinance following a lawsuit from Attorney General Todd Rokita.

Rokita alleged that the ordinance violated Indiana’s ban on cities serving as refugee sanctuaries, which the attorney general was given the authority to enforce earlier this year.

The ordinance directed city officials and law enforcement officials not to share information with federal immigration authorities, such as an individual’s immigration status, work location or contact information.

Indiana’s sanctuary ban dates back to 2011 and prohibits local governments from restricting communications or cooperation with federal officials when it comes to information about citizenship or immigration status.

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In its move to repeal the ordinance, the East Chicago City Council said the ordinance is “not effective or necessary” to protect the rights of its residents.

In a statement, Rokita called the repeal a “great victory” for legal immigrants. The attorney general dismissed the case against East Chicago.

Rokita’s office still has a lawsuit pending against the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office alleging violation of shelter rules.

Brandon is our Statehouse bureau chief. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter via @brandonjsmith5.