Hoosiers Protest Immigration Enforcement Across Indianapolis Metro

Activists and students voice concerns over ICE presence and proposed state legislation

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Protesters have taken to the streets in Indianapolis and surrounding areas to demonstrate against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and proposed state legislation that would require law enforcement to comply with immigration enforcement. The protests come in response to news that ICE is establishing an office in Carmel, as well as the Indiana House of Representatives passing a bill that would mandate cooperation with federal immigration authorities across the state.

Why it matters

The protests highlight growing tensions over immigration enforcement in Indiana, with activists and community members voicing concerns about the treatment of immigrants, documented or not, and the potential impacts of increased ICE presence and state-level cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

The details

Protesters have gathered in multiple locations across the Indianapolis metro area, including Broad Ripple Avenue and Monument Circle. Activists from groups like Indy Resistance and Indiana Students Against ICE have led the demonstrations, condemning the establishment of an ICE office in Carmel and the state legislation that would require law enforcement compliance with immigration enforcement.

  • On Wednesday, the Carmel Police Department confirmed that ICE is establishing an office within city limits.
  • On Thursday, the Indiana House of Representatives passed legislation that would require law enforcement agencies and other entities across the state to comply with immigration enforcement.

The players

Alida Schleyer

A member of the local activist group Indy Resistance, who expressed concerns about how the state and federal government are treating immigrants, documented or not.

Lillian Ray

An IU Indianapolis student who participated in the protests on Monument Circle, voicing solidarity with those afraid to leave their homes due to fear of ICE.

Becki Hahn

A protester who expressed worries about the future of the country and the impact on her son's family and future generations.

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What they’re saying

“Immigrants have always made America better. The country is built on the backs of immigrants.”

— Alida Schleyer, Indy Resistance activist (wrtv.com)

“Show solidarity with people who are probably too scared to leave their house because they're scared they're going to be abducted. That's what ICE is doing. They're kidnapping people.”

— Lillian Ray, IU Indianapolis student (wrtv.com)

“I'm worried about the future of this country. For my son's family and for all the kids that are going to inherit the country it's becoming. Aren't we better than this?”

— Becki Hahn, Protester (wrtv.com)

What’s next

The Indiana House of Representatives' legislation that would require law enforcement compliance with immigration enforcement will now move to the state Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

The protests in Indianapolis and surrounding areas reflect the growing tensions and concerns within the community over the increased presence and actions of ICE, as well as proposed state-level policies that would further empower immigration enforcement. The demonstrations highlight the ongoing debate over the role of immigration in Indiana and the country as a whole.