Sen. Liz Brown responds to AG Rokita’s claim regarding ‘Fairness Act’

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WANE) On Tuesday, Border Czar Tom Homan met with legislators at the Indiana Statehouse in part to drum up support for the passage of the “Fairness Act,” which deals with immigration and enforcement and would allow for the punishment of employers who knowingly hire undocumented immigrants.

Attempts to pass the legislation failed earlier this year. House Bill 1531 passed out of that chamber, however State Senator Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne) declined to give the bill a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which she chairs. Brown cited concerns about its constitutionality and feedback she received from police about how it would be enforced.

Before Homan met with legislators Tuesday, Attorney General Todd Rokita called out Brown as the reason the bill failed. It’s not the first time he’s blamed Brown. Back in April, the Indiana Capital Chronicle reported Rokita claimed Brown killed the bill for personal reasons and said she employed an illegal alien during an interview with a radio host. Brown then filed a disciplinary complaint against Rokita.

On Wednesday, Brown issued a lengthy statement regarding Rokita’s statement on Tuesday:

For the last six months, Attorney General Todd Rokita has chosen to make me the punching bag for his desired bill not passing in the spring. He went so far as to lie and say I stopped the bill because I have an illegal alien in my family. This claim is blatantly false, and is meant to mislead voters and make them think I have a personal conflict in performing my duties as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Even after I filed a disciplinary complaint against him, he has continued to tell this lie to Indiana media, event yesterday morning on WIBC.   

I think yesterday is an excellent example of what a productive conversation on illegal immigration can and should look like. This is way more productive than mudslinging. I’ve spent this summer in conversation with constituents and relevant stakeholders well before legislation for 2026 needs to be filed. I have legislation being crafted to address the immigration crisis in our state and address the needs and concerns of those on the front lines: our local law enforcement.  

Following the event, I asked J.D. Prescott for his 2026 bill and I believe we can get law enforcement solutions that will be feasible for them. State law enforcement is asking for training on how to work with ICE and carry out immigration enforcement under the law. Of course, training comes with a cost and we need to figure out how we’re going to pay for that. Attorney General Rokita has a passion for this, so I look forward to hearing his solutions on how best to provide this training.  

Also following the event I, and a small group of legislators, met directly with Homan. We had a great conversation about what the Trump administration and our national sovereignty needs from states. I will be continuing these conversations directly with the Trump administration as we approach session. Furthermore, a group of sheriffs are meeting with Homan this afternoon. I look forward to debriefing with them so we can continue partnering together and protecting Indiana.
Senator Liz Brown