Residents urge transparency as ICE leases private office space in Carmel; mayor says city lacks authority to block it

Dozens of Carmel residents told the City Council on Feb. 16 they are alarmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has leased privately owned office space in Carmel, even if officials say the site is for administrative personnel rather than enforcement or detention.

At public comment, resident Sally Peeler said the presence of an ICE office near homes “creates fear and uncertainty, even for those who have done nothing wrong,” and urged the council to require full disclosure of the lease, affirm non-cooperation policies and ensure that “no city resources, personnel or facilities are used to support immigration enforcement.”

Other residents called for clearer limits on when Carmel Police would cooperate with federal agents. Mark Rodger urged the council to require written authorization for joint operations, public reporting of requests for assistance, and stronger civilian oversight to investigate complaints involving unidentified officers. Joey Basu and Micah Alejandra Mora said the office would change the atmosphere for immigrant and mixed-status families and urged officials to guarantee protections for residents’ constitutional rights.

Mayor Finkham told the council and the public the city had been informed last week that ICE leased privately owned office space “as overflow for administrative personnel from its Indianapolis office.” She emphasized the city has no authority to prohibit a federal agency from leasing private property and said city officials have been advised the location will not serve as an enforcement or detention facility. The mayor said the City of Carmel will maintain “open and professional lines of communication” with federal agencies and pledged to listen to community concerns.

Council members acknowledged residents’ fears and repeatedly urged more transparency. Several councilors said the council should create a reliable “pipeline of information” so the city can promptly notify residents if the use of the office changes. Councilors also suggested the police department publicly report any requests for assistance from federal agencies and explore non-cooperation policies that do not violate state or federal law.

The council did not take formal action or adopt a new policy at the meeting; members said they will continue to examine lawful options to mitigate community concerns and promised to keep residents informed.

What happens next: Councilors said they will pursue additional discussion about transparency and possible local measures at future meetings and will work with the police department to clarify what kinds of assistance it will or will not provide to federal agents. No ordinance or motion on the ICE tenant was introduced or voted on Feb. 16.