AG Todd Rokita: Elections Have Consequences

Sheriff Hollowell ended the 287(g) agreement to stop notifying ICE about undocumented detainees in county jails. AG Rokita warned terminating the partnership weakens public safety and recklessly gambles with community security. Critics argue those supporting this decision bear direct accountability if released undocumented immigrants commit violent crimes. Source: (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call) AG Todd Rokita: Elections Have Consequences Elections have consequences, and incoming Hamilton County Sheriff Charles Hollowell’s first order of business is sending a crystal-clear message: local law enforcement is officially stepping away from cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

And if an illegal immigrant released back into the community commits a violent crime, Tony Katz says the blame lands squarely at the new sheriff’s feet.

“You understand, Sheriff, you understand Democrats. That’s all on you,” Katz said. “If you’re going to elect a sheriff and the sheriff’s first statement is ‘I’m weak on crime,’ okay, well, then it’s on you.”

The political firestorm ignited after Hollowell, a Democrat, confirmed his intention to terminate the county’s active 287(g) agreement. The federal program authorizes trained county jail personnel to perform specific immigration enforcement duties and notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when an undocumented detainee enters the system. Hollowell told local station WTHR that his administration will “get rid of” the partnership to direct resources strictly to the local level.

Translation: ICE will no longer be notified when an illegal immigrant is booked into the Hamilton County jail.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita immediately pushed back on the decision, calling Hamilton County a historically “strong and reliable partner of ICE” and warning that scrapping the pact is a reckless gamble with public safety.

“Ending that partnership is a serious mistake,” Rokita said. “To confront the illegal immigration crisis Democrats created in the first place, we need real cooperation at every level of government, especially between our sheriffs and ICE. Ripping up the existing 287G agreement only weakens public safety and sends the exact wrong message.”

Katz backed Rokita’s assessment, pointing out that walking away from federal enforcement leaves county residents without answers on how local law enforcement plans to handle criminal noncitizens.

“The question is, what is the plan regarding people in the county, Hamilton County, illegally?” Katz asked. “What’s the plan, sir? You gotta let us know. We’re now very, very curious.”

For Katz, ditching ICE cooperation isn’t just misguided policy—it creates direct political and moral accountability for anyone backing the move.

“You’re ripping this up? Okay, it’s on you. It’s on the people who voted for you, it’s on the Democratic Party, the Democratic establishment, nationally, all of it,” Katz declared.

Katz extended an open invitation for Hollowell to come on the air and justify the rollback directly to the voters.

“Five microphones, no waiting, happy to talk to you. Seriously, pick the time,” Katz said. “Let’s get a better understanding and explanation of what’s happening here.”

Hear Tony Katz break it down live weekdays on WIBC 93.1 FM, or catch the full segment on-demand.

Listen to the “AG Todd Rokita: Elections Have Consequences” discussion in full here:

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AG Todd Rokita: Elections Have Consequences

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