Indiana Attorney General candidate Wells' response to Rokita's 'Sanctuary City' allegations
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The City of South Bend, along with the Democratic candidate for Indiana Attorney General, is speaking out against her current AG and Republican candidate to keep the seat, Todd Rokita, after he threatened legal action against St. Joseph County and South Bend over immigration policies.
“The City and South Bend Police Department follow all federal and state laws and will cooperate fully with this misguided investigation," said city spokesperson Allison Zeithammer.
In different documents, Rokita is accusing both South Bend and St. Joseph County of violating state laws when it comes to immigration policy.
“Todd Rokita’s latest stunt—demanding immigration documents from the South Bend and Seymour police departments—is nothing more than a desperate, politically motivated distraction,” Attorney General candidate Destiny Wells said.
"With our local police already stretched thin, working tirelessly to protect our communities, Rokita is pulling them away from their real duties to chase headlines. This has nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with salvaging his campaign in areas where he's struggling in the polls."
On Wednesday morning, Rokita sent civil investigative demands (CID) to the South Bend Police Department asking for information on whether their immigration policies comply with state law.
“A failure to comply with the CID may result in legal action,” Attorney General Rokita 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.”
Attorney General Rokita has demanded that Seymour and South Bend police produce all documents related to his inquiry by Nov. 8.
On top of issuing the CIDs, Attorney General Rokita sent demand letters to officials in Lake and St. Joseph Counties last week, warning them of impending legal action if they fail to comply.
“Let me be clear: the Attorney General’s office should be about serving Hoosiers, not serving up political theater," Wells said. "This kind of fear-mongering and divisive rhetoric is not what Indiana needs. If I were in Rokita's position, I’d be focused on the issues that affect real, everyday Hoosiers—not abusing the power of the office to score cheap political points.”