Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt announces plans to deport criminal illegal immigrants from state prisons, aligning with President-elect Trump’s mass deportation proposal.
At a Glance
- Gov. Stitt directs creation of deportation plan for criminal illegal immigrants in Oklahoma prisons
- Plan to be developed in consultation with Trump transition team
- Over 500 criminal illegal immigrants in Oklahoma prisons cost taxpayers $36,000 daily
- Stitt emphasizes initiative as “common sense” and return to rule of law
- Legal standing and enforcement of the plan remain unclear
Oklahoma Takes Bold Stance on Illegal Immigration
In a move that echoes President-elect Donald Trump’s tough stance on illegal immigration, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has announced plans to deport criminal illegal immigrants currently held in state prisons. The phrase “criminal illegal aliens” refers to those who have not only entered the U.S. illegally, but have also committed additional crimes. This initiative, dubbed “Operation Guardian,” aims to address both public safety concerns and the financial burden on taxpayers.
Governor Stitt has directed the state’s commissioner of public safety, Tim Tipton, to create a comprehensive deportation plan by January. The plan is set to be developed in close consultation with the Trump transition team and incoming administration, signaling a strong alignment between state and federal efforts to combat illegal immigration.
Financial and Safety Implications
The governor’s office reports that over 500 criminal illegal immigrants are currently housed in Oklahoma prisons, costing taxpayers an estimated $36,000 daily. This significant financial burden has been a key factor in pushing for the deportation initiative.
Stitt emphasizes that the move is not just about fiscal responsibility but also about enhancing public safety. The governor points to the recent increase in fentanyl-related deaths and a foiled terror plot in Oklahoma as evidence of the far-reaching impacts of the southern border crisis, even in non-border states.
Legal Challenges and Opposition
While Governor Stitt presents the deportation plan as “common sense,” the legal standing and enforcement mechanisms remain unclear. No specific legal basis was cited in the announcement, raising questions about its implementation.
“Oklahoma cannot disregard the U.S. Constitution and settled Supreme Court precedent,” Brian Boynton of the Department of Justice said.
Boynton’s statement highlights the potential legal hurdles the plan may face. Previous state-level immigration laws in Oklahoma, such as House Bill 1804 and the more recent House Bill 4156, have faced significant legal challenges, with federal courts largely overturning or blocking their implementation.
Support and Criticism
The plan has garnered both support and criticism from various quarters. While some view it as a necessary step to enforce the law and reduce the burden on taxpayers, others express concern about the broader implications for immigrant communities.
“What’s amazing to me is you have some Democrat governors that are now talking about not supporting President Trump, and I don’t think they learned anything from the election, that the American people want safe communities, and we want to have strong borders,” said Gov Stitt.
