Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has launched an investigation into the influx of Haitian migrants in small towns across the state. He is looking into the efforts of international and local nonprofit organizations, employers, and a health department that have been bringing migrants, including those without legal status, into Indiana communities. Rokita believes that illegal immigration, caused by what he calls Kamala Harris’ misapplication of federal law, has imposed unsustainable costs on towns like Logansport.
Logansport, with a population of 18,366 according to the 2020 Census, has been hit hard by the sudden increase in immigrant populations. Rokita’s office has filed six Civil Investigative Demands (CID) to various organizations involved in this effort, including the Cass County Health Department, Berry Global packaging company, and the Logansport Community School Corporation. The investigations will take place in Evansville, Logansport, and Seymour, as officials suspect a coordinated effort between nonprofits and employers to attract migrant workers.
The rise in immigrant populations has led to overcrowded housing in these small towns, with multiple families and dozens of individuals living in homes meant for single families. This crisis has raised concerns about possible labor trafficking and labor exploitation. The Cass County Health Department has been inspecting apartments and residences, and investigators are looking into the employment status and citizenship of individuals living in overcrowded residences.
Residents in Logansport have reported feeling overwhelmed by the influx of migrants, particularly from Haiti. The town’s mayor estimates that the population has grown by 20%-30% since 2021, with most of the newcomers being Haitians. More than 3,000 Haitians have arrived in Logansport, and the number of Haitian students in schools has increased significantly.
Some residents have expressed discomfort and feelings of unsafety due to the presence of Haitian migrants in town. One mother reported that her daughter was accosted by Haitian migrants while walking to a nearby coffee shop. Others mentioned feeling uneasy around male Haitian migrants who would stop and stare without saying a word.
The situation in Logansport and other small Indiana towns highlights the challenges and tensions that arise from the influx of migrants into local communities. The investigation led by Attorney General Todd Rokita aims to shed light on the coordinated efforts behind this migration and address the concerns raised by residents. As the investigation unfolds, the impact of these developments on both the local populations and the migrants themselves remains a pressing issue in Indiana.