Porter calls on the IDOC to explain lagging federal payments from ICE

Today, May 12, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) will request an explanation from the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) about lagging payments from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the State Budget Committee meeting. The state has spent $12.5 million since November but has only received $5.06 million in reimbursement. 

It was Porter’s amendment to Senate Enrolled Act 76 that requires a monthly finance report for the Miami Correctional Facility. 

“I don’t want to be in this agreement,” Porter said. “If I had my way, Indiana wouldn’t be taking any money from ICE. But the majority made this decision, and I don’t want Hoosiers to foot the bill. 

“Indiana’s shelling out millions in taxpayer dollars, then it's taking months to get anything in return. Look at Florida: The Florida legislature is still waiting on $608 million in reimbursement from ICE. Now, federal officials are telling Florida that reimbursement was never guaranteed. 

“This contract was a politically motivated move to impress Washington. I don’t want Hoosiers to lose a single dollar due to a decision made far above their heads. The IDOC needs to present its plan for prompt reimbursement at the next SBC meeting.”