Indiana Governor Mike Braun, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, voiced concerns Thursday over recent federal immigration enforcement practices in his state.
Concretely, Braun questioned a surge in arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) involving individuals without any criminal charges or convictions.
"If that data is correct, I'd say that should raise eyebrows," Braun told Axios Indianapolis, referring to figures showing that 23% of people arrested by ICE in Indiana in June had no criminal background—up from 6% in January. "I've been clearly on record: the worst, first. And there are many of them out there."
Braun emphasized that his support for immigration enforcement hinges on targeting those who commit crimes after entering the U.S. illegally. "I'm for helping remove criminals after they came in here illegally," he told reporters, adding, "If you're actually involving others, you're not probably doing a good enough job."
The comments come as the Department of Homeland Security plans to use Camp Atterbury in Indiana as a temporary housing site for immigrant detainees. Braun reiterated he was open to the facility's use, contingent on humane conditions, stating, "I wouldn't entertain it unless [humane treatment] was the case."
This marks a notable shift in tone for Braun, who built his political career closely aligned with Trump's hardline immigration stance. As a U.S. senator and gubernatorial candidate, Braun used campaign materials during the last election cycle that warned Indiana voters their communities would "know if you stood with Trump," a message some critics labeled as voter intimidation.
On Thursday, Braun also addressed growing calls among conservatives for the release of files related to the death of financier Jeffrey Epstein, whose ties to political elites—including Trump and former President Bill Clinton—have come under renewed scrutiny.
"I think the American public deserves [full transparency]; we'll wait and see," Braun said according to Indiana Capital Chronicle. "Now it seems like it's got a heavy political overtone to it, but I'm for full transparency."
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