Oklahoma Enacts Strict Immigration Law, Empowering Local Police to Arrest Illegal Immigrants

The new legislation, signed by Governor Kevin Stitt, categorizes illegal immigration as a state crime, punishable by fines and imprisonment.

Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma signed a bill making illegal immigration a state crime, effective from July 1, 2024.
The law allows local law enforcement to arrest individuals for illegal immigration, with penalties including jail time and fines.
This move aligns Oklahoma with other Republican-led states like Texas and Iowa, which have enacted similar laws.
The legislation has sparked opposition and is expected to face legal challenges, similar to those in other states.
Governor Stitt also announced the creation of a task force to explore ways to integrate immigrants into the state's workforce.