Oklahoma Governor Makes Decision To Aid Trump
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has unveiled a bold plan aimed at deporting criminal illegal immigrants housed in the state’s prisons, aligning with President-elect Donald Trump’s push for a nationwide deportation operation in the coming year. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Stitt outlined the initiative, framing it as a commonsense move to reduce the burden on Oklahoma taxpayers while restoring the rule of law.
The state estimates that over 500 criminal illegal immigrants are currently incarcerated in Oklahoma prisons, costing taxpayers $36,000 daily. By directing the state’s commissioner of public safety to devise a detailed deportation strategy by January, Stitt aims to collaborate closely with Trump’s transition team and incoming administration to make the plan a reality.
“These are people that are here illegally, that have committed crimes, and we want to make sure that they’re not burdensome to the taxpayers of the state of Oklahoma,” Stitt said. His remarks emphasized public safety and fiscal responsibility, resonating with Trump’s broader agenda of prioritizing the removal of individuals deemed threats to national security and community safety.
While Oklahoma is not a border state, Stitt highlighted the spillover effects of the ongoing crisis at the southern border. He pointed to alarming statistics, including a 500% rise in fentanyl-related deaths since he took office, as well as a recent Election Day terror plot involving a suspect living in Oklahoma. These incidents, he argued, underscore the urgency of addressing illegal immigration at the state level.
“When you think about someone that’s here illegally, that’s breaking the law, that’s pushing fentanyl, or they have been convicted of rape or burglary, and they’re not U.S. citizens, I don’t know who could argue with me on this,” Stitt said. “We want to make sure that those people are out of our country and not allowed to return.”
Trump’s proposed deportation effort has faced pushback from Democrats, particularly in sanctuary jurisdictions, but Stitt expressed surprise at their opposition. “What’s amazing to me is you have some Democrat governors that are now talking about not supporting President Trump,” he said. “I don’t think they learned anything from the election. The American people want safe communities, and we want to have strong borders.”
Despite his hardline stance on criminal illegal immigrants, Stitt stressed that he supports legal immigration and opportunities for those who follow the proper channels.
He cited the importance of converting education visas into workforce visas for skilled immigrants, saying, “If you want to chase the American dream, if you want to be part of paying taxes, part of our society, then we absolutely want to work that angle as well.”
Stitt’s optimism about the future mirrors the sentiment of Trump’s supporters, who see his victory as a mandate for stronger border policies and safer communities. “I think the American people have spoken loud and clear with Trump’s victory,” he said. “It’s just the right thing to do, and I’m excited about some of the Cabinet picks that President Trump has put in place. It’s going to be a fresh day for America.”