STATEHOUSE (May 4, 2026) – State Reps. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) and Andrew Ireland (R-Indianapolis) recently visited the U.S. southern border in Arizona to meet with law enforcement and get a firsthand look at President Trump's work combatting illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Prescott said he and Ireland received updates from Arizona sheriffs, local ranchers and U.S. Border Patrol. Additionally, they toured the wall and processing facilities and discussed further steps Indiana can take to help deport illegal aliens and stop the flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the country.
"Witnessing operations firsthand in Arizona showed real progress is being made at the federal level to secure the border," Prescott said. "In Indiana, we've taken steps to support that mission by passing the Indiana Fairness Act, ensuring a unified approach to enforcement and protecting Hoosier families."
Ireland noted that while Indiana may not be a neighbor to the U.S. southern border, illegal immigration, drugs and human trafficking affect all states and populations. According to the American First Policy Institute, illegal aliens cost Indiana $921 million in 2023, with each alien costing the state $4,451.
"President Trump has delivered real results where previous administrations failed, securing the border and stopping the flow of illegal aliens and poison fentanyl killing Americans," Ireland said. "Indiana stands shoulder-to-shoulder with him. We will keep leading on this critical issue by backing our law enforcement 100%, honoring ICE detainers, removing criminal illegals and putting America First—always prioritizing the safety and prosperity of Hoosier families over lawbreakers."
During the 2026 legislative session, the General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act 76, the Indiana Fairness Act, championed by Prescott and supported by Ireland, which promotes a unified approach to immigration enforcement by ensuring local units of government comply with federal immigration detainer requests. It also prohibits governmental bodies from limiting or restricting enforcement of federal immigration law. They also supported House Enrolled Act 1200 to crack down on illegal immigrants holding Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) in Indiana.
In October 2025, both lawmakers joined White House Border Czar Tom Homan and former Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf for a discussion on illegal immigration and how Indiana can better work with the federal government to secure the border, stop illegal immigration and keep our communities safe.
For more information on SEA 76, HEA 1200 and Indiana's continued efforts to support border security, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33,
which includes all of Blackford and Randolph counties,
and portions of Delaware, Henry and Jay counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Andrew Ireland (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 90,
which includes a portion of Marion County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Reps. Andrew Ireland (R-Indianapolis) (left) and J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) (right) stand in front of the wall at the U.S. southern border in Arizona during a recent trip to receive updates from law enforcement and explore more ways Indiana can continue to lead on border security.
