Oklahoma’s civil rights organizations are once again taking action against a newly enacted state immigration law, House Bill 4156. This legislation allows local law enforcement to detain undocumented individuals, a move critics argue exacerbates the current immigration crisis rather than alleviating it.

Overview of House Bill 4156

According to the Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office, the legislation is designed to target drug trafficking and illegal marijuana cultivation. However, advocates claim it generates fear within immigrant communities.

Renewed Legal Action by Advocates

Following the U.S. Department of Justice’s withdrawal from opposing a significant immigration law in Oklahoma just two months prior, civil rights groups are mobilizing again, this time with an expanded group of plaintiffs.

“I’m so mad. That’s why we joined this,” stated Nicole Maldonado, president of the Oklahoma chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

LULAC is collaborating with organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the National Immigration Law Center, and Rivers and Associates to file a federal lawsuit against House Bill 4156. The suit targets Drummond, who played a pivotal role in the bill’s development.

Claims Against the Legislation

The groups argue that House Bill 4156 undermines federal authority and imposes severe penalties on undocumented immigrants, labeling their presence as “impermissible occupation.” Under the law, penalties could include a $500 fine or jail time, and offenders may be required to leave the state within 72 hours.

“Just for seeking a better life, just because you have to flee your country and seek a better life for your families, doesn’t mean it doesn’t make you a criminal,” Maldonado added, expressing her concerns about the law’s implications.

Government Response and Community Impact

Drummond’s office has defended the bill, suggesting that federal inaction on deportations has necessitated state-level enforcement to ensure the safety and security of Oklahomans.

During recent remarks at the Capitol, the Latino Caucus also highlighted community concerns tied to House Bill 4156 and its anticipated consequences on deportation policies, coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Day celebrations.

Further Developments

As discussions continue, civil rights organizations emphasize the importance of standing against legislation they believe dehumanizes immigrant communities in Oklahoma. The legal challenge to House Bill 4156 represents a crucial moment in the ongoing debate over immigration policy at the state level.