Drummond Calls for Legislature to Pass Immigration Enforcement Law

In light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision not to halt the implementation of a Texas state immigration enforcement law, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is calling for the Oklahoma Legislature to craft a similar law for Oklahoma. While Texas Senate Bill 4 was blocked by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5^th Circuit, many believe this positions the U.S. Supreme Court to eventually take up the case.

Drummond says the Biden Administration is simply not enforcing immigration laws and that has caused a crisis.

“Public safety is my paramount concern,” Drummond said. “Oklahoma state, county and local law enforcement know all too well the impact of the nation’s porous border. The Biden Administration has failed to secure our border, leaving us to suffer the consequences. If the federal government won’t do its job, then it is imperative that Oklahoma be allowed to protect our citizens.”

The Supreme Court could set a precedent which would allow state and local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws.

“The Biden Administration’s refusal to enforce the laws enacted by Congress threatens public safety in Oklahoma and throughout the country,” said Drummond. “The Supreme Court may well be poised to set new precedent allowing state law enforcement to act. If and when that day comes, I want Oklahoma to be prepared with a robust law that empowers local law enforcement.”

House Speaker Charles McCall also announced he was immediately filing legislation to address immigration law enforcement by state and local agencies.

“The failed policies of the Biden Administration have turned every state into a border state,” McCall said. “Oklahoma is a law and order state, and should be the last place illegal immigrants want to settle when they cross over the border. For those reasons, and in light of recent court rulings regarding Senate Bill 4 out of Texas, I am immediately introducing legislation to secure the borders of Oklahoma in the same fashion as our neighbors to the south. Oklahoma will stand ready to defend its borders from all who would enter our country illegally.”