Update on Anti-Immigration Bill HB 1393
The anti-immigration House Bill 1393 passed out of committee with a 9-2 vote.
Thank you to everyone who reached out, showed up, or tuned in to today’s hearing. Your presence and energy filled the room, demonstrating the power of our collective voice. Unfortunately, the anti-immigration House Bill 1393 passed out of committee with a 9-2 vote.
What Happens Next?
HB 1393 will now proceed through three readings. After a full debate, it will undergo a final vote. If the bill passes the House, it will advance to the Senate, where the legislative process will start again. We’ll discuss this and other bills during INLDC’s Legislative Update on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 12 PM.
If passed, this bill would mandate law enforcement officers to share personal identifying information with ICE after arresting or issuing a summons to individuals based on “probable cause” that they are not lawfully present in the U.S. If unchallenged, the bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.
As articulated by allies, “when government officials are generally trying to identify people who are not lawful immigrants, absent specific information about a specific individual, the search relies almost exclusively on racial and linguistic stereotypes. This law will significantly increase the existing profiling of Hoosiers based on their race and/or English proficiency.”
The bill had clear opposition from community members and allies alike, including churches, the ACLU, and veterans, who emphasized the harm this bill would create.
Bill’s Language Modification
While we appreciate Representative Mitch Gore’s proposal to address concerns by 1) replacing “suspected” with “probable cause” and 2) redirecting reporting to sheriffs rather than directly to ICE, the larger issue remains: the bill’s language is still dangerously vague and harmful. We will continue working alongside legislative allies like Rep. Gore to push for further changes to protect our communities.
We extend our gratitude to everyone who came out to show their support and to our allies who testified during today’s hearing. A special thank you to our Community Engagement Chair, Carolina Castoreno, for representing us with her powerful testimony.
We’d also like to recognize and thank the two legislators who voted no: Representative Sheila Klinker and Representative Becky Cash. Additionally, we are deeply grateful to Representative Victoria Garcia Wilburn, Representative Maureen Bauer, Representative Tonya Pfaff, Rep. Klinker, and Representative Carolyn B. Jackson for calling on the Indiana Catholic Conference to address the over 20 pieces of Indiana legislation impacting immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees.
Take Action Now:
Join Us on Virtually on February 6 at 12 PM for a Legislative Update: Learn about House Bill 1393 and over 20 anti-immigration bills impacting Indiana. Register here.
Contact Your Representative: Use this map to identify your House representative and reach out via phone or email. Share your personal story and explain why this bill affects you. Sample script available here.
Spread Awareness and Share Resources: Share what’s happening and why it matters, encouraging others to take action. Equip your community with tools and resources to navigate these challenges. Access resources here.
We’ll be back in touch with updates on our Day of Action and Westside Initiative.
The fight is far from over, but today we proved the power of our collective voice by showing up. They can’t silence us. Take this time to rest, connect with loved ones, and gather your strength—we need your passion and energy for the road ahead.
Juntos, continuaremos luchando por el futuro que nuestra comunidad merece.
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Spanish translation is forthcoming.
Please note we edited this post for clarity purposes. Thank you!
Se perdió una batalla mas no la guerra