Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has taken a significant step forward in investigating the immigration enforcement practices of the South Bend Police Department. Following previous steps directed at the St Joseph County and Lake County Police Departments, Rokita has now turned his attention to South Bend Police Department's Chief of Police Scott Ruszkowski.
The Indiana Attorney General has issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to the South Bend Police Department, requesting extensive detail on their immigration-related policies and procedures. The demand encompasses an exhaustive list of elements including all standards, practices, policies, procedures, or guidance related to immigration enforcement activities, detainer requests, and information requests, whether formal or informal, written or unwritten.
Rokita's CID necessitates the South Bend Police to specifically identify and accurately describe every policy or practice in place over the past three years relating to these areas. This demand marks a significant move towards greater transparency relating to immigration enforcement practices and signals Rokita's continued commitment to prioritize the safety of hoosiers across the state. Rokita was quoted: “We are working to ensure units of local government are following the law,”...“We are putting Hoosiers first – not illegal aliens."
Ruszkowski and his department now face the task of compiling a complex and comprehensive response to Rokita's demand. Rokita also said: “If the documents produced show that either police department has unlawful immigration policies on the books, we will take action as warranted to ensure compliance with state law.” The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for the future operations of the South Bend Police Department and for other law enforcement agencies across the state.
SBPD's Exhibit C Request For Production:
Read the Full Civil Investigative Demand Here:
Rokita also issued a CID letter to the Seymour Police Department, you can find that letter here: