Protesters gather at State Capitol as lawmakers pass a state immigration bill
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — As an Oklahoma House bill criminalizing undocumented immigrants heads to the Senate floor, protesters gathered outside of the State Capitol building early Tuesday afternoon to vocalize their opposition to the bill.
If signed into law, HB 4156 would allow local law enforcement to arrest individuals believed to be committing an "impermissible occupation" in the state of Oklahoma.
A first time conviction would lead to a misdemeanor charge of up to one year in county jail and a $500 fine. Those convicted a second time would face felony charge of up to two years in county jail and a $1,000 fine.
Both convictions would require the undocumented immigrant to leave the state within 72 hours of being released from custody.
The Senate passed the bill later on Tuesday afternoon with a vote of 39-8. It will now head to Governor Stitt's desk for his signature before officially passing into law.
Several state leaders issued statements after HB 4156 passed in the Senate.
The State Senate sent a clear message today that public safety is a priority in Oklahoma. The Biden Administration has been utterly derelict in its duty to enforce federal law. If the president won’t secure the nation’s border, then our state must step in to protect Oklahomans. I appreciate President Pro Tempore Treat and Speaker McCall for their swift work on this bill and I encourage Gov. Stitt to sign it into law.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond
This measure protects immigrants here legally, while ensuring law enforcement have the tools necessary to go after criminals. The southern border crisis has created a scourge of illegal activities, including an increase in fentanyl, human trafficking and crime in our communities because of the inaction and abject failure at the federal level to secure our borders. The Oklahoma Legislature is taking the necessary action to protect our citizens. Doing nothing is unconscionable and this legislation is the appropriate measure to keep Oklahomans safe and uphold the rule of law.
Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City
I am proud to have taken this vote that will better protect Oklahomans and crack down on illegal immigration in our state,” Sen. Woods said. “The failed boarder policies by the federal government have made it necessary for states to take the law into their own hands and craft policies to ensure we know who is coming here and eliminate criminal organizations. The influx of illegal immigration has created a dire situation, and we are seeing an increased amount of illegal marijuana grows, drugs and organized criminal activity that needs to be eradicated. This bill will give law enforcement the tools necessary to deport criminals.
Senator Tom Woods, R-Westville
Immigration is top of mind for many Oklahomans as we see an unprecedented number of illegal immigrants crossing our nation’s Southern border, bringing illicit drugs and criminal activity that pose a threat to our public safety,” Garvin said. “My grandparents legally immigrated to the United States from Mexico and went through the naturalization process to become citizens. Their journey is emblematic of the appropriate pathway to citizenship, and the majority of legal immigrants want others to come here through the proper channels as well.
Senator Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan
What are they going to stop folks for? For not putting their blinker on? Yes, you are going to have people stopped because of the way they look. And we're going to try to put those folk in jail, because of why? The way they look. You can deny that all you want, that is the thing that is going to occur.
Senator George Young, D-Oklahoma City