PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) (right) joins White House Border Czar and former Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan (left) at the Fairness for Hoosiers: The Need for State Action on Immigration briefing on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 16, 2025) – State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) joined Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, Gov. Mike Braun, and national security experts Tom Homan and Chad Wolf at Tuesday's Fairness for Hoosiers: The Need for State Action on Immigration briefing at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.
Bartels said the event focused on strengthening cooperation between state, local and federal agencies to enhance public safety and ensure consistent enforcement of immigration laws. Leaders at the briefing answered questions from attendees and highlighted the need for reform to address gaps in current federal immigration enforcement.
“When it comes to immigration policy, there is a role for state officials to provide support for federal actions," Bartels said. "We are exploring ways to work more closely with the federal government in an effort to secure our borders and create safer communities in Indiana."
Earlier this year, Bartels supported House Enrolled Act 1393, a new law to improve coordination between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies. He also supported House Bill 1531 to require local agencies to honor federal immigration detainer requests, grant immunity to officers who comply and ensure accountability when jurisdictions refuse to cooperate.
Bartels said while HB 1531 did not advance during the 2025 legislative session, the issue remains a top priority moving forward. He added that this legislation is part of Indiana’s effort to strengthen border security and protect communities from individuals who pose a threat to public safety.
For more information about HEA 1393, click here. For more information about HB 1531, click here.
-30-
State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74, which includes
all of Crawford, Perry and Spencer counties, and portions of Dubois and Orange counties.
Click here for a high resolution photo.
