Indiana Gov. Mike Braun is steering clear of a controversial invitation-only "mass deportation" rally planned for next Saturday in Fishers, splitting with Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, who is still expected to appear via pre-recorded video. The event, organized by the group Save Heritage Indiana and headlined by former U.S. Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, will be held at a still-undisclosed venue in Fishers. Separate counterprotests and a vigil are set to take place in town the same day.
Organizers told IndyStar that Braun "declined" their invitation to speak and said they had asked his staff for a pre-recorded video to play at the rally instead. That version of events first surfaced in local reporting and in the group’s own social media promotion of the gathering.
Organizers And The Event
Save Heritage Indiana is billing the rally as a push to "save Indiana's heritage" and says the precise Fishers location will be given only to paying attendees, according to its materials. Promotional pages describe the event as invitation-only, with organizers keeping details close to the vest for now.
The rally listing names Bovino as the headliner and confirms that Beckwith will appear by video. It also advertises a $50 general admission ticket and a $500 VIP dinner option, according to Save Heritage Indiana. Event logistics and additional promotional information are also posted on Heritage Rallies.
Local Reaction And Counterprotest
Local advocacy groups are not letting the event go unchallenged. Organizers have planned a "Hoosier Hospitality March" and a vigil at Roy G. Holland Memorial Park, with plans to march later in the day to the Fishers Municipal Center.
According to Indiana Capital Chronicle, Fishers officials said the mayor’s office has not been contacted by Save Heritage and that the Fishers Police Department will not provide private security for either the closed-door rally or the counter-events. City officials have emphasized that both sides are responsible for their own arrangements.
Why The Rally Is Controversial
Critics have zeroed in on Bovino’s role in Trump-era deportation efforts and on what they describe as alarmist rhetoric from organizers. WRTV reports that the Southern Poverty Law Center has labeled Save Heritage an anti-immigrant group, and notes that Bovino’s recent tenure came under added scrutiny after clashes involving federal agents earlier this year.
Tickets, Secrecy And Dress Code
The Fishers rally is invitation-only, and organizers say they will send the exact address to paid ticket holders shortly before the event. They argue that limiting the release of the venue details is meant to cut down on harassment and security risks.
The public-facing event page spells out a business-professional dress code, along with ticket prices and the timing for the evening program. Heritage Rallies posts the full agenda and ticket information for people considering attending.
Daniel Poynter, a leader with Save Heritage, told reporters that the group’s goal is to "enforce the laws already approved by Congress" and press for tougher immigration enforcement, comments that have appeared in local coverage. WRTV published Poynter’s remarks alongside responses from community leaders who oppose the rally’s message.
Next Saturday’s gathering is scheduled for the evening, with counter-events planned earlier in the day. City officials say they will monitor both demonstrations and coordinate as needed. This story will be updated if representatives for the governor, lieutenant governor or Save Heritage provide additional comment.
