Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is appealing to the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals to lift a federal injunction that has halted the enforcement of a contentious immigration law known as House Bill 4156. The appeal was filed on Friday, seeking to reverse a lower court’s decision issued in June that blocked the law from taking effect.
House Bill 4156 introduces the crime of “impermissible occupation,” enabling law enforcement to arrest individuals living in the U.S. without legal permission. Drummond advocates for the law, arguing it will assist authorities in targeting illegal marijuana operations. However, critics contend that the law may conflict with federal regulations, a concern echoed by a U.S. district court judge.
In the recent filing, Drummond’s office maintained that the state law aligns with federal immigration policy. “HB 4156 mirrors federal law by design,” the brief stated, asserting that the U.S. government’s concerns are unfounded and based on misconceptions about state sovereignty.
Drummond highlighted the challenges Oklahoma faces due to rising undocumented immigration, which he claims has exacerbated criminal activity and strained state resources. “The border crisis has swamped Oklahoma with an unprecedented onslaught of criminal activity,” his office stated.
In his announcement, Drummond expressed determination to continue challenging the federal injunction, even taking the case to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary. “Oklahoma has a constitutional right to protect our citizens,” he affirmed.
The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for immigration enforcement at the state level.
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