Okla. AG Drummond reacts to passing of Laken Riley Act
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond on Monday announced his support with passage of the Laken Riley Act, calling it a commonsense measure.
According to Drummond's office, the legislation will grant new authority to state attorneys general in deportation measures when facing harm in excess of $100 dollars to the state or its citizens while mandating federal detention of illegal immigrants charged with burglary, theft, shoplifting and larceny.
The bill, is named for a Georgia nursing student who was murdered by an illegal immigrant last year.
“The Laken Riley Act is a commonsense measure that should not even be needed," said Drummond. “The Biden Administration's refusal to secure the border and enforce existing immigration laws has resulted in deadly consequences for the Riley family and so many others. I am thankful that Oklahoma's entire Congressional delegation has prioritized the safety
of American families by supporting this important legislation, and I am excited for President Trump to sign it into law."
Drummond applauded the scope of the measure saying, state attorneys general can sue federal officials and force them to fulfill their duties under the law.
"Giving state attorneys general the authority to force derelict federal officials to do their job is a game changer for public safety," Drummond said. "Had this measure been in place under the Biden Administration, I would have had the power to force the deportation of thousands of criminal illegal immigrants here in Oklahoma who have caused immeasurable harm."
Back in March 2024, Drummond alongside 25 other state attorneys general wrote U.S. Senate leaders in support of the passage of the Laken Riley Act.