Indiana Attorney General Takes Legal Action Against Amazon and Indianapolis Schools Over Migrant Trafficking Allegations

What's happening

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has launched a series of legal actions targeting multiple entities, including Amazon and the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), amid allegations related to migrant trafficking within the state. On November 13, Rokita's office issued subpoenas to Amazon and other organizations, seeking business, financial, and client records that are believed to be crucial in addressing labor trafficking concerns. While the subpoenas demand sensitive information, the attorney general's office has clarified that these requests do not imply wrongdoing by the recipients but are part of a broader effort to combat trafficking.

Earlier in November, specifically on November 6, Rokita's office filed a lawsuit against IPS, accusing the school district of failing to comply with Indiana state law that prohibits sanctuary policies. The lawsuit contends that IPS's current policies obstruct cooperation with federal immigration authorities, potentially allowing undocumented individuals to avoid detection. A particular incident cited in the lawsuit involves IPS allegedly preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from retrieving a minor from school, with staff reportedly hiding the child and contacting attorneys opposed to immigration enforcement. This event, according to the lawsuit, resulted in the minor’s father missing a deportation flight.

The attorney general's office argues that such sanctuary-like policies endanger public safety and violate state statutes. Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Blake Lanning emphasized that sanctuary policies create an environment conducive to illegal immigration, complicating efforts to address what the state describes as an ongoing border crisis. Rokita also highlighted the challenges in detecting labor trafficking, noting that victims often do not come forward due to coercion, and expressed a commitment to scrutinizing employers and nonprofits that may facilitate the movement of undocumented workers within Indiana.

In response to the lawsuit, IPS has taken a public stance opposing Rokita’s legal actions. The school district has launched a petition on Change.org to rally community support and has stated that it will not verify the immigration status of students or their families. Furthermore, IPS has declared that it will not permit ICE access to school properties without a judicial warrant, underscoring its commitment to maintaining policies that protect undocumented students. The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction to compel IPS to adhere to state law, but the district has so far resisted these demands.

What's at stake

These legal maneuvers by Rokita reflect a broader trend in Indiana, where local governments and organizations have adopted policies perceived as sanctuary-oriented, including Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, both certified as "Welcoming Cities." This certification involves commitments that critics argue undermine federal immigration laws. Rokita’s actions also involve cooperation with groups such as the America First Policy Institute, which is assisting in the legal proceedings. The attorney general's efforts underscore ongoing tensions between state authorities seeking stricter immigration enforcement and local entities prioritizing protections for undocumented residents.

Alongside these immigration-related issues, Indiana is also facing political challenges concerning congressional representation. Following the 2020 Census, lawmakers are being urged to reconvene to address potential disparities in the state's congressional districts. State Senator Liz Brown from Fort Wayne has called for a swift legislative session to consider redistricting, arguing that the current map does not accurately reflect Indiana’s political balance. Brown has criticized the 2020 Census process, citing concerns over accuracy and transparency, and has advocated for the release of raw census data to ensure fair redistricting.

The debate over redistricting in Indiana is part of a larger national conversation about how electoral maps are drawn and the potential for partisan gerrymandering. Critics warn that manipulating district boundaries can diminish electoral competition and exacerbate political polarization. Supporters argue that redistricting is necessary to ensure equitable representation for all constituents, especially as demographic shifts continue. The outcome of Indiana’s redistricting efforts could have significant implications for both state and national politics, particularly with upcoming elections on the horizon.

Looking ahead, the legal battle between Indiana’s attorney general and Indianapolis Public Schools is likely to continue, with potential court rulings on the permissibility of sanctuary policies within the state. The subpoenas issued to Amazon and other entities may also lead to further investigations into labor trafficking practices. Meanwhile, the push for redistricting will require legislative action, with the possibility of a special session called to address congressional boundaries. Observers will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold, as they will shape Indiana’s political and social landscape in the coming months.

Why it matters

The lawsuit contends IPS’s policies obstruct federal immigration enforcement, potentially allowing undocumented individuals to avoid detection. A cited incident alleges IPS staff prevented ICE from retrieving a minor, impacting immigration enforcement efforts. Rokita’s office argues that sanctuary policies compromise public safety and violate state law.

IPS opposes the lawsuit, maintaining it will not verify immigration status or allow ICE access without a warrant. The legal actions reflect broader state-local tensions over immigration policy and enforcement in Indiana.

Key facts & context

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita issued subpoenas to Amazon and other entities on November 13 seeking records related to labor trafficking. The lawsuit against Indianapolis Public Schools was filed on November 6 alleging noncompliance with state law prohibiting sanctuary policies. IPS has publicly declared it will not verify the immigration status of students or families and will deny ICE access without a judicial warrant.

Rokita’s office emphasized that subpoenas do not imply wrongdoing but are part of efforts to combat labor trafficking. Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Blake Lanning stated sanctuary policies create an environment conducive to illegal immigration. Indiana cities Indianapolis and Fort Wayne have been certified as "Welcoming Cities," which involves adopting sanctuary-like policies.

State Senator Liz Brown has called for a legislative session to address redistricting following concerns about the 2020 Census accuracy. Brown criticized the census process and urged the release of raw data to ensure fair congressional representation. The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction to compel IPS to comply with state law regarding immigration enforcement cooperation.

The America First Policy Institute is assisting Rokita’s office in the ongoing legal proceedings. Concerns about redistricting include potential partisan gerrymandering and its impact on electoral competition. The legal and political developments in Indiana are occurring amid broader national debates on immigration enforcement and electoral fairness.

Timeline & key developments

2025-11-14: Indiana Attorney General Subpoenas Amazon, Sues Indianapolis Schools Over Migrant Trafficking. 2025-10-16: Indiana Lawmakers Urged to Redistrict Congressional Seats Amid Concerns Over Representation. Additional reporting on this topic is available in our broader archive and will continue to shape this timeline as new developments emerge.

Primary sources

• image.subscription.in.gov PDF
• dhs.gov document
• oversight.house.gov document
• banks.senate.gov document

Further reading & references

• (Additional background links will appear here as we cover this topic.)