Drummond assails delayed enforcement of state's tough immigration reform law

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 20, 2025) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond made the following remarks after a U.S. district judge today issued a temporary restraining order barring enforcement of Oklahoma’s House Bill 4156, which penalizes individuals who are present in the state in violation of federal law. The order came as the judge ruled that plaintiffs can proceed with a legal challenge to the measure despite two of the plaintiffs being anonymous because to reveal their identities would “expos(e) them to federal authorities” for federal lawbreaking, according to the court.

“In the name of federal law, the court is protecting admitted lawbreakers from federal and state consequences,” said Drummond. “This is perverse, contrary to the rule of law, and we will be evaluating all options for challenging the ruling.”

The temporary restraining order expires June 3, when the judge would then consider whether to impose a preliminary injunction. A previous preliminary injunction was dismissed in March after the U.S. Department of Justice withdrew a legal challenge that the agency had filed under the Biden Administration.

“It is outrageous that Oklahoma is once again prohibited from enforcement of HB 4156,” said Drummond, “This commonsense measure – necessary after the ineptitude of the Biden-Harris Administration to secure the nation’s border – is critical in our efforts to shut down illegal marijuana grows, fentanyl distribution and other illegal activities. Once the Trump Administration withdrew the previous administration’s objection to the law, law enforcement in our state was able to breathe a sigh of relief that Oklahoma finally would have agency to protect the public. It is bewildering that this law again hangs in the balance while nameless lawbreakers are allowed to halt enforcement of HB 4156.”