Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has intensified his efforts to address the impacts of illegal immigration on local communities by issuing a civil investigative demand (CID) to Tyson Foods in Logansport. The CID is part of a probe into allegations of human labor trafficking and potential violations of Indiana’s nuisance laws. According to Rokita’s office, the investigation seeks to determine whether Tyson Foods has engaged in practices that incentivize illegal immigration by employing undocumented workers or contributing to labor trafficking networks.
“The vast number of additional people coming into our communities is alarming,” Rokita said in a statement. “When you have an open border and an influx of people coming over illegally by the millions, we can’t have companies incentivizing this criminal behavior by offering jobs for cheap labor. It’s not fair to Hoosiers looking for employment or to our law enforcement, local hospitals and healthcare facilities, taxpayers that fund these services, and our housing and labor markets.”
The investigation is part of a larger effort by Rokita’s office to examine the activities of businesses and nonprofit organizations involved in resettling migrants in Indiana. On November 9, Rokita announced similar CIDs had been sent to the Cass County Health Department, Logansport Community School Corp., Berry Global Group Inc., and nonprofit groups such as the Tent Partnership for Refugees and God is Good. The investigations, according to Rokita, aim to uncover coordinated efforts that facilitate the movement and employment of large numbers of migrants into the state.
The CID issued to Tyson Foods specifically alleges that the company may possess documents or information relevant to human labor trafficking and the creation of indecent nuisances. Tyson Foods, which operates a prominent facility in Logansport, is required to respond in writing to the CID by December 4, 2024. The Attorney General’s office is pursuing this investigation under its authority outlined in Indiana’s Deceptive Consumer Sales Act and nuisance laws.
Rokita has expressed concern that the influx of illegal immigration strains local resources, including law enforcement, healthcare, and housing. He emphasized the need to hold employers accountable for practices that may incentivize illegal immigration. “We will continue looking into this growing issue,” Rokita stated. “It’s about ensuring fairness to Hoosiers and addressing the burden placed on our communities.”
The investigation reflects Rokita’s broader strategy to curb what he sees as the harmful impacts of illegal immigration on Indiana’s economy and social services. His office is also scrutinizing the role of international and local nonprofits, which he claims are working in coordination with businesses to settle large numbers of migrants in Indiana. The Attorney General has argued that such activities not only exploit vulnerable populations but also create significant challenges for local governments and taxpayers.
The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for businesses and organizations operating in Indiana. If wrongdoing is uncovered, companies like Tyson Foods and others could face legal and financial repercussions. The investigations also come amid growing national debates over immigration policy and its impact on local communities. Rokita’s actions suggest a willingness to take a hardline stance on holding entities accountable for practices that may exacerbate these issues.
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