Indianapolis – An immigration attorney based in the city says his office is fielding a sharp rise in calls from residents worried about recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations throughout central Indiana. Dallin Lykins of Banks & Brower told Circle City Broadcasting that the influx of inquiries reflects growing anxiety among both new citizens and long‑time community members.
Local families feel the impact
Clients contacting the firm include individuals in the midst of naturalization processes who fear that a sudden detention could derail their path to citizenship. “Now we have to counsel people where we really don’t know what’s going to happen,” Lykins said. “Even if they attend their appointments or hearings, they might still be detained or put in jail.”
Resident Devon Brown captured video of an ICE arrest at a Marathon gas station on East 38th Street. He described seeing a man handcuffed and taken away, then returning later to find the man’s car still at the pump. While Brown understood the arrest, he expressed concern about agents detaining people in public spaces without clear notice.
Legal nuances of public arrests
Lykins explained that ICE agents have authority to detain individuals in public areas, but entering a private home generally requires a judicial warrant, much like local law‑enforcement officers. “Outside of that, they’re subject, much like our law enforcement, to the requirement of having a judicial warrant if they want to go into someone’s home,” he said.
National policy shifts have made it harder for those in ICE custody to secure release. Lykins noted that many detainees are now required to obtain a federal court order, a step that can be costly and uncertain. “A lot of people are getting released from ICE custody, but it’s becoming a lot more difficult,” he added.
City officials demand transparency
Mayor [Name] (the article did not specify a name) issued a statement condemning the lack of communication from federal authorities. “The lack of transparency & communication from federal officials surrounding immigration enforcement in Indianapolis is unacceptable,” the mayor said. “Children are afraid to go to school, parents are hesitant to send them, and seniors are skipping medical appointments and grocery trips. That is not law and order; that is cruelty.”
The mayor emphasized that while immigration enforcement falls under federal jurisdiction, the City of Indianapolis will continue to press for due process, clear communication, and respect for the dignity of all residents.
Know your rights
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) reminds community members of their constitutional protections. Individuals have the right to remain silent, to stay calm, and to demand a judicial warrant before allowing ICE agents into their homes. They also have the right to counsel and should not sign any documents without legal advice.
For more information and resources, residents can visit the ILRC website at www.ilrc.org.
What’s next?
ICE officials have not responded to inquiries about the duration of the current operations. Local advocacy groups are organizing informational sessions to help affected families understand their rights and navigate the legal process. As the situation evolves, the community remains vigilant, seeking both safety and the rule of law.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
