Staff Reports
On Tuesday, the Biden administration filed a lawsuit against the state of Oklahoma over a new law signed by Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt. The law allows local authorities to arrest illegal aliens and creates new state crimes related to noncitizens’ entry and presence in the United States. The Department of Justice claims that the legislation is unconstitutional and seeks to ensure Oklahoma adheres to the Constitution and Congress’s framework for immigration regulation.
This State Enacted a Law Allowing Cops to Arrest Illegal Aliens. Here's How the Biden Admin Responded. https://t.co/zRap9hlcbN
— 𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓮𝓻𝓿𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓓𝓲𝓿𝓪™ (@1776Diva) May 24, 2024
The law, known as House Bill 4156, is set to take effect on July 1 and includes provisions that would require noncitizens convicted of violating its terms to leave the state. The Biden administration argues that the law grants Oklahoma independent authority to exile noncitizens and permits a variety of state immigration schemes. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton stated that Oklahoma cannot disregard the U.S. Constitution and settled Supreme Court precedent.
Stitt expressed disappointment when signing the bill into law in April, citing concerns about the influx of people crossing the southern border since President Biden took office. He emphasized a focus on protecting all Oklahomans, regardless of race, ethnicity, or heritage, from potential harm.
Similar measures have been pursued by other states, with Georgia passing a bill in March that allows police to arrest individuals suspected of entering the United States illegally. The state’s actions come after an illegal immigrant was arrested in connection with the murder of college student Laken Riley. Notably, Texas authorities have also begun arresting illegal immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in Eagle Pass, prompting legal action from the Biden administration.
