Border Czar Tom Homan tells Indiana lawmakers to ‘help President Trump’ by passing the ‘Fairness Act’

INDIANAPOLIS — White House Border Czar Tom Homan met with lawmakers Tuesday at the Indiana Statehouse to highlight the Trump Administration’s immigration policies.

During the main event in the House Chambers, Homan joined Gov. Mike Braun and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita in urging lawmakers to support what they call the “Fairness Act.” If passed, the state could punish employers who knowingly hire undocumented immigrants.

“Whatever you can do, state of Indiana, to help us make Indiana safer,” Homan said. “When you stood up here talking about the legislation, I was like a kid in a candy store sitting down here. Hopefully, that becomes law.”

A similar bill passed out of the Indiana House this past session, but later died in a Senate Committee.

“Let’s get it over the finish line this time,” Gov. Braun said. “Hoosiers deserve it.”

Before Homan spoke, AG Rokita called out the Senate Judiciary Committee Chairwoman, State Sen. Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne), as the reason why the bill ultimately failed. State Sen. Brown was later part of a closed-door meeting with fellow Republican lawmakers and Homan following Homan’s speech on the House Floor.

“We had a porous border, and it’s closed now, so I’d love to hear the update on, you know, is it permanent? Temporary? Who’s working additionally? Just what the current situation is. I’m excited to hear what Mr. Homan has to say,” State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Indianapolis) said prior to Homan’s arrival.

This comes as questions remain over whether ICE will use Camp Atterbury as a migrant detention facility. ICE began detaining undocumented immigrants at the Miami Correctional Facility earlier this month.

State Rep. Ed Delaney (D-Indianapolis) visited the facility a few weeks ago and is in the process of working with the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) to schedule a follow-up visit.

“I asked to visit today,” State Rep. Delaney said. “I was told that I would have to get clearance from ICE…I do not understand why ICE has any say about whether a state representative whose state is putting up $14-$15 million to build up this facility and is using its resources, why I can’t go there.”

FOX59/CBS4 asked Homan a few questions as he exited the Statehouse, but he declined to answer.