In Indiana, lawmakers are quietly exploring legal changes that could give the National Guard sweeping new authority in our cities—including the power to enforce local laws and potentially make arrests. These behind-the-scenes discussions are happening as President Donald Trump pushes to deploy National Guard troops nationwide to crack down on crime and immigration—even in cities that don’t want or need that intervention.

Right now, Indiana law limits the National Guard’s role to logistics and emergency support—helping during floods, natural disasters, or public health crises. But Attorney General Todd Rokita has called for Trump to send troops into Indianapolis to "restore order," despite local leaders, including Mayor Joe Hogsett, firmly opposing that kind of federal or military involvement. Crime in the city has already dropped dramatically, with homicides and shootings falling by nearly 50% since 2021.

Giving the National Guard expanded policing powers opens the door to dangerous federal overreach—especially if future leaders choose to override state or local decisions. 

Other states have already pushed back. Judges have blocked Trump’s deployments in cities like Portland and Chicago, ruling there was no legal basis for the intervention. Now Indiana must take a stand before these powers are forced upon us.

We call on Indiana lawmakers and Governor Mike Braun to reject any changes to state law that would allow the National Guard to act as civilian law enforcement. Let’s invest in community safety, not fear.

Sign this petition to keep armed federal troops off Indiana streets—and keep decisions about policing where they belong: in our communities, not in the hands of politicians looking to score political points.