To everyone who has been engaging with this year’s legislative session, or otherwise showing up for our immigrant communities as we continue to denounce state sanctioned violence at the hands of this administration’s militarized police force: thank you. This post includes information on Indiana’s anti-immigration bill SB 76 and ways to take action.
Anti-Immigration Bill Senate Bill 76 “Immigration matters”
Senate Bill 76 “Immigration matters”passed out of the Senate, and is now scheduled for a hearing at the Indiana State House (200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204) in the House Judiciary Committee on Monday, February 2 at 10:30 a.m.
While there are some differences, SB76’s language mirrors much of what was included in House Bill 1531 “Various Immigration Matters.” That House Bill died during the 2025 legislative session.
📣 Emergency Virtual Legislative Update (Sunday 2/1/26)
With ongoing questions about the bill, immigrant-rights groups and organizers including Cosecha Indiana and Communities Not Cages are hosting an emergency virtual update on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 at 1PM EST.
Please note: a Spanish version of this conversation will be taking place on Cosecha Indiana’s Facebook Page at 12:00PM EST
WFYI: Lawmakers push wave of immigration bills aligned with Trump agenda
🚨This Bill is Dangerous Because:
SB 76 increases the risk of wrongful detention and 4th Amendment violations: SB 76 requires mandatory compliance with ICE detainers, which increases the risk of unlawful detention, leading to costly litigation. This has happened in other states, and SB 76 sets up Indiana to experience the same problem.
SB 76 increases Due Process and 14th Amendment violations: The mandatory nature of the bill limits the ability of local officials to exercise discretion or review the validity of a detainer, which may infringe upon an individual’s due process rights.
SB 76 conflicts with federal law: Immigration is a federal responsibility, and states can’t create or mandate broad, independent immigration enforcement powers. But SB 76 forces local agencies and public colleges into compliance, to a degree that goes beyond what federal law allows.
SB 76 increases surveillance of immigrant communities: SB 76 weaponizes public programs by requiring them to report and collect data on non-citizens, which could deter eligible people from seeking essential services.
To all the organizations amplifying this information including MADVoters, Hoosier Asian American Power (HAAP), the American Civil Liberties Union ACLU of Indiana and Exodus Immigration: THANK YOU – we appreciate your commitment to democracy!
Read: Potential Constitutional Rights Violations
🗣️Ways to Take Action:
Sign up to testify at the February 2 hearing, you can use this link to register, which typically opens the night before the hearing.
Show Up at the State House: If you’re able to attend, your presence matters. A strong turnout sends a clear message. Signs are welcome, but they must be foldable to pass through security.
Call or Email the Judiciary Committee Members:
📞 Sample Script: “Hi, my name is [name], and I’m a voter in [city]. I’m contacting you in opposition of SB 76, which targets our immigrant communities, undermines public trust, and threatens our civil liberties. You can reach me at [phone number].”
What to Expect If You Attend on Monday, February 2:
SB76 is one of two bills being discussed, so exact timing is uncertain.
Room 156-B is small, and overflow attendees may be redirected.
Women4Change: How to Testify at the State House
Parking is available at the nearby meters or in surrounding garages.
The easiest way to enter the State House is the lower level west entrance, accessible via the Robert D. Orr Plaza.
You will need to go through a metal detector to get into the building, so please plan time to wait in line in case there is a crowd.
Once you’ve made it through the metal detector, you are on the 1st Floor of the building -- the same floor as room 165-B.
Thank you all for your commitment to taking a stance against these harmful bills. See you soon!
-Karla and team.