Senate Democrats adopt resolution for the humane treatment of immigrants

OKLAHOMA CITY – Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus have adopted a resolution urging state and local leaders in Oklahoma to follow the U.S. Constitution and treat immigrants with fairness, respect, and humanity.

The resolution reminds everyone that all people living within U.S. borders—no matter their background—have the right to due process. That means they should not be detained or treated like criminals without clear proof. The document also says that law enforcement officers must be open about who they are and should not hide their identities or wear masks when dealing with the public. The resolution calls for any agency operating in the state to be transparent about who is being held and transported.

“Senate Democrats will always fight for fairness and honesty, especially when people’s families and personal freedoms are at risk,” said Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. “We’ve heard from families here legally being treated like criminals and immigrants detained without explanation. That’s not right. Our caucus stands united in calling on every governmental entity within our state to treat everyone with dignity and follow the Constitution.”

Sen. Michael Brooks-Jiménez, Democratic Caucus Chair, said his office, like many others, has been flooded with calls from people in his district who are scared. Some fear they or their loved ones might be taken off the street, out of their homes, or from their jobs – even if they have done nothing wrong and have legal status in the U.S.

“We are known for the Oklahoma Standard, for helping our neighbors, but I think many people in our state would be shocked to hear what's happening. Many in our Latino community are afraid just because of the way they look,” said Brooks-Jiménez, D-Oklahoma City. “If someone is detained, they should be treated humanely and given the legal rights they deserve. That is what Senate Democrats are fighting for, and we respectfully ask our fellow Oklahomans to stand with us.”

To view the resolution in English, click here, or to read the document in Spanish, click here.

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For more information, contact:   
Sen. Julia Kirt: 405-521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov    
Sen. Michael Brooks-Jiménez: 405-521-5557 or Michael.Brooks@oksenate.gov