Oklahoma United States Attorneys, Sanctuary City Policies, Oklahoma 2024

Oklahoma United States Attorneys Share National Concerns with Sanctuary City Policies

The United States Attorneys from Oklahoma, including Timothy J. Downing, Brian J. Kuester, R. Trent Shores, and Marc J. Moore, have expressed their concerns with sanctuary city policies, stating that they are ‘misleading, uninformed, and detrimental to public safety.’

In a statement, the US Attorneys said that ‘only criminals find sanctuary in sanctuary cities’ and that these policies do not protect illegal immigrants who have been peaceful and productive members of society. Instead, they argue that sanctuary policies ‘shelter illegal aliens whom local law enforcement have already arrested for other crimes.’

The US Attorneys cited examples of felony convictions of illegal aliens in Oklahoma, including aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 years of age, failure to register as a convicted sex offender, and possession of illegal drugs. They also stated that individuals who engage in criminal activity, regardless of their immigration status, pose a danger in every community.

The US Attorneys emphasized that honoring detainers from federal law enforcement is not anti-immigrant, but rather anti-criminal and critical to protecting all Oklahomans, including immigrants. They argued that ignoring lawful detainers and releasing criminal aliens onto the street imperils the safety of every person in a community and puts law enforcement officers at risk.

The statement from the US Attorneys comes as a growing public-safety concern that sanctuary city policies could find a foothold in Oklahoma. They expressed gratitude to state, tribal, and local law enforcement authorities throughout Oklahoma that partner with federal agencies to improve public safety by enforcing federal immigration laws.

In conclusion, the US Attorneys reiterated that sanctuary city policies are not a solution to public safety concerns, but rather a ‘catch and release’ policy that puts communities at risk. They urge law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma to prioritize effective law enforcement that includes immigration enforcement to ensure the safety of all Oklahomans.

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