On Tuesday, the Biden administration filed a lawsuit against Oklahoma over a new law that empowers local authorities to arrest illegal aliens. Republican Governor Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 4156 into law in April, a move aimed at addressing the escalating illegal immigration crisis by creating new state crimes for noncitizens’ unlawful entry, reentry, and presence in the United States, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
HB 4156 mandates that noncitizens convicted of violating its provisions must leave the state, effectively granting Oklahoma the authority to expel illegal aliens and creating a more stringent immigration enforcement framework. The law is set to take effect on July 1, but the Biden administration is predictably challenging it, claiming the legislation is unconstitutional.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton stated, “Oklahoma cannot disregard the U.S. Constitution and settled Supreme Court precedent. We have brought this action to ensure that Oklahoma adheres to the Constitution and the framework adopted by Congress for regulation of immigration.” This stance underscores the administration’s broader approach of opposing state-level initiatives aimed at addressing illegal immigration.
Governor Stitt defended the necessity of the bill, highlighting the dire situation at the southern border since President Biden took office. “Since President Biden took office in 2021, more than 10 million people have poured over the southern border. Countless individuals from across the globe, including thousands of Chinese nationals and people affiliated with terror organizations, have illegally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border. Oklahomans are concerned by who could be lying in wait for an opportunity to bring harm to our country,” Stitt stated. “My sole aim is to protect all four million Oklahomans, regardless of race, ethnicity, or heritage.”
Other states have enacted similar measures to combat illegal immigration. In March, the Georgia state House passed a bill allowing police to arrest those suspected of illegal entry. This followed the tragic case of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old college student murdered by an illegal immigrant. Texas authorities have also begun arresting illegal immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in Eagle Pass, leading to another lawsuit from the Biden administration.
These actions by states like Oklahoma, Georgia, and Texas reflect growing frustration with the federal government’s failure to secure the border and protect American citizens. Conservatives argue that state-level initiatives are necessary to address the real and present dangers posed by unchecked illegal immigration, especially when the federal government refuses to act. The ongoing legal battles highlight the fundamental clash over states’ rights and the need for effective immigration enforcement to ensure public safety.
