June 1, 2025

logo
google_play
app_store
Login Subscribe
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinions
  • Sports
  • E-edition
    • Special Sections
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinions
    • Sports
    • E-edition
      • Special Sections
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Immigration
News
March 17, 2025

Immigration bill clears House, but may face legal challenges

By KEATON ROSS OK WATCH DEMOCRACY REPORTER 

Hundreds of bills passed through the House and Senate during a busy week of floor action, including an immigration enforcement measure likely to face legal challenges if it’s enacted.

House Bill 1362 by David Hardin, R-Stilwell, would authorize local and county law enforcement to inquire about a person’s immigration status when they are arrested for violating a criminal law, including traffic violations. If they can’t provide documentation, they could face deportation or be charged with a felony punishable by at least five years in prison. A $35,000 cash bond would be required to avoid pretrial detention.

The bill passed along party lines in the House on March 13 and is eligible to be considered in the Senate. It would override a measure passed last year creating the misdemeanor offense of impermissible occupation. Federal courts have blocked that law from taking effect as lawsuits progress.

Several Democrats debated against the bill, arguing it would strain local law enforcement resources and lead to racial profiling. Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, argued the bill could violate the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.

Hardin, who admitted during questioning he has not consulted law enforcement groups about the legislation, said police departments and sheriff’s offices would not be forced to comply. Asked about racial profiling concerns, he said officers are adequately trained to avoid bias at the CLEET academy.

“This bill doesn’t put any pressure on any law enforcement agency,” Hardin said. “It simply aligns us with Trump administration. This doesn’t dictate that anyone goes out and looks for immigrants.”

Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, a Democrat who represents a majority Hispanic district in south Oklahoma City, called the bill unnecessary and purely political.

“These are individuals who are working and serving in Oklahoma and doing the best they can to provide for their families – all things we are supposed to value in Oklahoma,” he said in a statement. “Bills like this threaten the very fabric of Oklahoma and put unnecessary strain on law enforcement agencies who have spoken with me on how bills like this actively make their jobs harder.

The push for strict immigration policies has accelerated in Republican-led states since President Donald Trump’s inauguration. An Alabama legislative committee advanced a bill in February to allow state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into immigration enforcement agreements with the federal government. Tennessee lawmakers approved a sweeping measure in late January to create a state immigration enforcement office and make it a felony to support so-called sanctuary city policies.

Another strict anti-immigration bill passed in 2007, House Bill 1804, stoked widespread fear in Hispanic communities. While most of its provisions survived court challenges, KGOU reported in 2016 that the law had little lasting impact.

Oklahoma Watch (OklahomaWatch.org) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.

this is a test
Cybersecurity disagreement sparks question of commitment to county assessor’s success
A: Main, Main, News
Cybersecurity disagreement sparks question of commitment to county assessor’s success
By Lynn Adams Staff Writer 
May 29, 2025
For much of the past nine months, the Sequoyah County Commissioners have expressed their confidence in and expectations for success from County Assessor Brandy Dobbs. “We want you to have what you nee...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Pastor set to appear before judge
A: Main, Main, News
Pastor set to appear before judge
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
May 29, 2025
A Sallisaw pastor charged with lewd or indecent proposals to a child under the age of 16 in Sequoyah County District Court following allegations made against him in 2023, has now been scheduled for a ...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Homeless woman who exposed herself set for docket
A: Main, Main, News
Homeless woman who exposed herself set for docket
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
May 29, 2025
A homeless woman who reportedly exposed herself to others at Moffett School has now been scheduled for an August 6 felony disposition docket in Sequoyah County District Court. Destiny M. Seladones, 27...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Theresa Cunningham
A: Main, Just Folks, Main, ...
JUST FOLKS
Theresa Cunningham
Price
By JADE PHILLIPS TIMES INTERN 
May 29, 2025
Theresa Cunningham, 42, is a mother of five who has spent just over 20 years working and being a part of Sequoyah County. Originally from Arizona, she grew up a city girl but that changed after she ma...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Fishing Report for May 28, 2025
Sports
Fishing Report for May 28, 2025
May 29, 2025
EUFAULA: May 23. Elevation is 7.5 feet above normal and falling. The water temperature is 60 degrees and murky. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jerk baits and...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Hamilton commends governor for signing SB 599 into law
News
Hamilton commends governor for signing SB 599 into law
May 29, 2025
Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, issued the following statement after Governor Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 599 into law over the weekend. Senate Bill 599 strengthens Oklahoma’s legal response to ...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}


ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
google_play
app_store

Editor Picks
Johnston wins
Sequoyah County history
THIS WEEK IN COUNTY HISTORY
Johnston wins
— Sequoyah County Democrat, May 29, 1925
May 29, 2025
25 Years Ago —The City of Vian is almost ready to begin construction of a new sewer plant, Scott Neel, project engineer with P. Doug Harvell & Associates in Sallisaw, said construction of the plant sh...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Golden Eagles fall in Summit League title game
Sports
ORU BASEBALL
Golden Eagles fall in Summit League title game
By ORU MEDIA RELATIONS 
May 29, 2025
OMAHA, Neb. — The Oral Roberts University Golden Eagles fought their way back to force the winner-takeall title game in the 2025 Summit League Tournament, but they ultimately came up short. After losi...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Lawsuit against Walters, Department of Education seeks transparency
News, School News
Lawsuit against Walters, Department of Education seeks transparency
By TED STREULI | OKLAHOMA WATCH 
May 29, 2025
Democracy dies in darkness. Keeping the public's business public. Sunshine is the best disinfectant. You've heard the transparency catchphrases. Here's how it plays out in real life. Oklahoma Watch an...
this is a test
In loving memory of Baylee
Letters To The Editor
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
In loving memory of Baylee
May 29, 2025
Dear Editor, Our hearts are broken, and our lives forever changed with the loss of our beloved Baylee in a tragic accident. While navigating this overwhelming loss, our family has been deeply moved by...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Mark your calendar
Calendar, News
Mark your calendar
May 29, 2025
Announcements of upcoming events for non-profit organizations and events in Sequoyah County may be delivered to Your TIMES in several different ways. They may be mailed to or hand delivered to Your TI...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Facebook

SEQUOYAH COUNTY TIMES
111 N. Oak
Sallisaw OK
74955

918.775.4433

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Sequoyah County Times

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy