Tension over immigration policies were top of mind at Indiana Latino Institute’s annual legislative breakfast

The Indiana Latino Institute’s annual legislative breakfast explored bipartisan ways to address some of the state’s pressing issues.

State lawmakers, businesses and community advocates came together February to discuss issues affecting the more than 600,000 Latinos in the state.

Bills this session involving immigration, cost of living, schools, Medicaid and SNAP were top of mind.

Indiana Latino Institute acting President and CEO Andrew Peñalva said in his remarks to attendees the goal should be to advance opportunities that benefit all.

“If Indiana is going to thrive in the years ahead, it’s going to take all of us, across backgrounds, across industries, cultures, working together, and Latinos are an important part of that future,” Peñalva said. “Of that I am certain.”

Peñalva acknowledges the tension and differences people have at the moment but says progress can only happen if both sides have honest conversations.

Republican Rep. Danny Lopez (R-Carmel) and Democrats Sen. Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington) and Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) discussed pressing legislation including a broad immigration bill that passed this legislative session.

Now awaiting Governor Mike Braun’s signature approval, Senate Bill 76, also known as the FAIRNESS Act, requires schools, local government, and sheriff and police to comply with federal immigration enforcement.

It also requires businesses to verify the legal status of employees, or to face penalties if found to hire someone without legal status. 

Lopez said he believes there is a general consensus that people in the country here illegally and engaged in criminal activity should be removed.

“If we kept our focus, our eye on that ball, I think we would find a ton of willingness to work towards solutions here at the state that hit the mark where people want us to be,” Lopez said.

He said the current legislation goes too far.

S.B. 76 passed through both chambers with only Republican support.

Indiana Latino Institute Senior Director of Education Policy Danny Mendez said, in the past year: schools pulled back DEI initiatives, nonprofits that support immigrants lost funding, and many now fear being detained — regardless of legal status.

He said he's worries about long-term consequences.

“Damage is not so easily repaired, and wounds may heal, but scars remain,” Mendez said. “If we don’t stand for humanity in these moments, what will be left when they’re over?”

Mendez said events like the breakfast are important to promote civil conversations.