Enforcement of Oklahoma immigration law blocked indefinitely
Protestors at a Hispanic Cultural Day rally outside the Oklahoma State Capitol on May 15, 2024, hold flags representing the United States, Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. Hundreds gathered to protest the newly enacted House Bill 4156, which created the criminal offense of impermissible occupation. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)
OKLAHOMA CITY — An Oklahoma City federal judge this week placed an indefinite ban on enforcement of a state law criminalizing undocumented immigrants living in Oklahoma.
The decision from U.S. District Judge Bernard Jones extends the two-week hold he implemented for House Bill 4156 on May 20 to last until he makes a final ruling on a lawsuit challenging the statute.
HB 4156, enacted last year, created the state crime of 'impermissible occupation,' threatening fines and jail time for immigrants living in Oklahoma without legal residency.
Past rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court and judges across the country have made clear that immigration enforcement is the federal government's responsibility, not an individual state's, Jones wrote in his decision issued Tuesday. Federal law preempts state laws on the issue, rendering Oklahoma's new statute unenforceable, the judge decided.
'In the end, that is why H.B. 4156 must fail — not to excuse unlawful presence or shield criminal conduct, but because it is what the Constitution demands,' Jones wrote.
Oklahoma still has the power to prosecute U.S. citizens and noncitizens alike for crimes that might stem from unlawful immigration, the judge said.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond had contended HB 4156 helps law enforcement stop drug trafficking and other crimes. Drummond called Jones' previous two-week hold 'outrageous,' 'perverse' and 'contrary to the rule of law.'
'The attorney general is committed to ensuring the state has the agency to protect Oklahomans,' Drummond's spokesperson, Phil Bacharach, said Thursday. 'HB 4156 is a commonsense and necessary law and Oklahoma must be able to enforce it.'
Jones blocked enforcement of the law for nine months last year after former President Joe Biden's Administration filed a lawsuit. The ban lifted when President Donald Trump withdrew Biden's case.
Two undocumented residents of Oklahoma and two immigrant-focused organizations based in the state refiled the lawsuit last month, contending HB 4156 is unconstitutional.
Attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union and the Tulsa law firm Rivas & Associates are representing the plaintiffs.
'Once again, the court has made it clear that the state of Oklahoma may not enforce HB 4156 while our litigation proceeds,' ACLU of Oklahoma legal director Megan Lambert said. 'People who are immigrants join the long American tradition of coming here in search of a better life and the freedom and opportunity we offer. Anti-immigrant policies do not represent our state, and we are grateful for the relief this provides while we continue to fight for the rights and safety of Oklahoma's immigrant communities.'
SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
UPI
2 hours ago
- UPI
Dozens arrested in ICE raids leading to LA protests
June 7 (UPI) -- Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents used riot gear as they clashed with protestors during a series of raids in Los Angeles where they ended up detaining more than 40 people. Separate raids by ICE agents earlier this week at a Home Depot and two separate clothing outlet stores drew crowds of protestors on Friday. In some instances, the federal agents carried shields, military-style rifles and shotguns while conducting the raids. Federal agents were executing a lawful judicial warrant at a LA worksite this morning when David Huerta deliberately obstructed their access by blocking their vehicle. He was arrested for interfering with federal officers and will face arraignment in federal court on Monday. Let... U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) June 7, 2025 The department later confirmed it was executing four federal search warrants at the three locations. "Approximately 44 people were administratively arrested and one arrest for obstruction," a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told KTLA TV. "The investigation remains ongoing, updates will follow as appropriate." Service Employees International Union leader David Huerta was among those detained. The SEIU local president was charged with obstruction of justice. "Federal agents were executing a lawful judicial warrant at a LA worksite this morning when David Huerta deliberately obstructed their access by blocking their vehicle. He was arrested for interfering with federal officers and will face arraignment in federal court on Monday," U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli wrote on X. "Let me be clear: I don't care who you are -- if you impede federal agents, you will be arrested and prosecuted. No one has the right to assault, obstruct, or interfere with federal authorities carrying out their duties," he wrote. People can be heard on video yelling at the crowds in Spanish, and telling them not to sign paperwork or speak to federal officials. By Friday evening, the Los Angeles Police Department declared unlawful assembly near the Civic Center in the northern part of the city's downtown core, issuing a city-wide alert that forced all officers to remain on-duty. LAPD officers were later forced to use tear gas and flash-bang grenades to disperse crowds in the city. At one point, protesters were reportedly throwing large pieces of concrete during the unrest The alert was cancelled around midnight Friday. "As mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place," Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass wrote on X. "These tactics sew terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. My office is in close coordination with immigrant rights community organizations. We will not stand for this."
Newsweek
12 hours ago
- Newsweek
Russia Strikes Back With 'Most Powerful Attack' of War on Ukrainian City
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Kharkiv has been hit by a barrage of Russian drones, missiles and bombs in what has been described as the biggest attack Ukraine's second-largest city has faced in Vladimir Putin's invasion. "Kharkiv is facing the most powerful attack it has had in the entire full-scale war," posted Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov on Telegram after strikes overnight Friday that other officials said had killed at least three people and injured 19. Newsweek has contacted the Russian Defense Ministry for comment. The aftermath of a Russian attack is seen on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on June 7, 2025. The aftermath of a Russian attack is seen on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on June 7, 2025. Social media via Ukraine's emergency services Why It Matters Russia launched a mass missile and drone strike against Ukraine the previous night, which targeted major cities, including the capital Kyiv, and the far-western regions. There had been anticipation over Moscow's response to Ukraine's bold drone attacks earlier in the week, dubbed Operation Spiderweb, which Kyiv said had taken out of commission one-third of Russia's air-bomber fleet. Later attacks also damaged the construction of the Kerch Bridge between Russia and Crimea. What To Know Kharkiv Oblast is in Ukraine's northeast and located along the war's front line, is a regular target of Russian missile, drone, and glide-bomb attacks from across the border. At least 40 explosions were reported across Kharkiv overnight Friday, as civilian targets were struck by drones, including a nine-story residential building, local enterprise, a home, and other facilities, officials said. Terekhov reported that 48 Shahed drones, two missiles, and four guided aerial bombs were launched toward the city, in particular its Osnovyanskyi and Kyiv districts. At least three people were killed and 18 injured. Among the latter were two children, including a 1-month-old baby, according to local authorities. Night of Russian terror in Kharkiv. Russian soldiers attacked residential buildings with drones, missiles, bombs. At least 3 people were killed and dozens were wounded. Russian authorities call it "concern for the Russian-speaking population." — Денис Казанський (@den_kazansky) June 7, 2025 Kharkiv in flames. More than 50 explosions in just two hours. Russia launched 48 Shahed drones, 4 glide bombs, and 2 missiles — one of the heaviest attacks on the city. Three killed. And again - residential building under attack. — Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) June 7, 2025 On Saturday morning, emergency crews were scouring the rubble looking for victims, with images posted on social media showing the rescue efforts. There were attacks overnight Thursday that targeted Kyiv and other major cities across Ukraine, killing at least four and injuring 80, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The barrage followed anticipation over how Russia might respond to Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb on four key Russian military airfields, which Kyiv said damaged 41 planes, including heavy bombers and rare A-50 spy planes. Elina Beketova, fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) think tank, told Newsweek on Thursday that, when it came to retaliation for strikes such as Operation Spiderweb, "Ukrainians aren't necessarily more alarmed than usual." Russia has already been targeting civilians and infrastructure daily, Beketova said, adding that the fear is not about escalation but survival. That is why people continue to take cautious but determined steps, like using shelters and supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine, she added. What People Are Saying Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said: "This is outright terror against peaceful Kharkiv!" Elina Beketova, of the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), told Newsweek: "The fear isn't just about escalation; it's about survival. That's why people continue to take cautious but determined steps, like using shelters and supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Inaction could mean occupation—and Ukrainians are not willing to let that happen. What Happens Next As Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities continue to intensify, the prospect of successful peace talks remain distant. A bipartisan sanctions bill is already awaiting approval in the U.S. Congress, which lawmakers hope could add pressure to Putin.
17 hours ago
US, Chinese officials to meet in London next week for new round of trade talks
WASHINGTON -- Senior U.S. administration officials will meet with a Chinese delegation on Monday in London for the next round of trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing, President Donald Trump said Friday. The meeting comes after a phone call between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday, which the U.S. president described as a 'very positive' conversation as the two countries attempt to break an impasse over tariffs and global supplies of rare earth minerals. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will represent the U.S. side in the trade talks. 'The meeting should go very well,' Trump wrote on his social media platform Friday afternoon. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One Friday, Trump said Xi had agreed to restart exports of rare earth minerals and magnets to the U.S. which China had slowed, threatening a range of U.S. manufacturers that relied on the critical materials. The was no immediate confirmation from China. The Thursday conversation between Trump and Xi, who lead the world's two biggest economies, lasted about an hour and a half, according to the U.S. president. The Chinese foreign ministry has said Trump initiated the call. The ministry said Xi asked Trump to 'remove the negative measures' that the U.S. has taken against China. It also said that Trump said 'the U.S. loves to have Chinese students coming to study in America,' although his administration has vowed to revoke some of their visas.
