DOJ sues Oklahoma over immigration law.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently filed a lawsuit against Oklahoma, challenging a state law that imposes criminal penalties on illegal immigrants. The DOJ argued that enforcing immigration laws is a federal matter and that Oklahoma cannot disregard the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court precedent.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed HB 4156 into law this month, which makes it a state crime to be in the state illegally, allows local law enforcement to arrest illegal immigrants, and requires them to leave the state within 72 hours following conviction or release from custody. The law is set to go into effect on July 1.
In response to the lawsuit, Gentner Drummond, the Oklahoma Attorney General, vowed to fight to uphold the state’s immigration law. He accused the Biden administration of undermining the nation’s immigration laws and expressed his commitment to addressing the ongoing public crisis within Oklahoma’s borders through legal means.
The DOJ threatened to sue Governor Stitt and Attorney General Drummond this week, stating that the law violates the U.S. Constitution. The DOJ asked the court to declare the law invalid and prevent the state from enforcing it.
Oklahoma is not the only state facing challenges to its immigration laws. Similar laws in Texas and Iowa are also facing scrutiny from the DOJ. The debate over immigration enforcement is heating up as both Republicans and Democrats across the country weigh in on the issue.
Despite the legal battle ahead, Governor Stitt remains steadfast in his support for HB 4156. He criticized the Biden administration for failing to secure the nation’s borders and pledged to protect Oklahoma’s citizens through state legislation.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the clash between state and federal authority on immigration issues will likely remain a contentious and ongoing debate.
