Judge Blocks Oklahoma Immigration Law for 14 Days

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the enforcement of Oklahoma's House Bill 4156, which would make it a state crime for undocumented immigrants to be present in the state and authorize state and local police to arrest suspected violators. The law imposes escalating penalties and was challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups, who argued that immigration enforcement is the exclusive domain of the federal government. U.S. District Judge Bernard Jones ruled that the law likely intrudes on federal authority and cited Supreme Court precedent affirming federal primacy in immigration matters. Immigrant advocacy groups praised the decision as a victory for Oklahoma’s immigrant community. Oklahoma's Attorney General criticized the ruling and vowed to continue defending the law. The temporary injunction will last at least 14 days, with the possibility of extension as the case proceeds.