Oklahoma Governor Critiques Trump’s Immigration Policy Following Fatal Shooting
Oklahoma’s Republican Governor, Kevin Stitt, expressed his disagreement with certain aspects of the Trump administration’s immigration policy during an interview on Sunday. He emphasized that Americans are not in favor of deporting all non-Americans.
Stitt, who also serves as president of the National Governors Association, shared his thoughts on CNN regarding the recent shooting death of Alex Preti, a 37-year-old man who was shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis. He labeled the incident a “true tragedy” and asserted the need for more robust immigration reform under President Trump to tackle ongoing concerns in Minnesota.
Reflecting on Trump’s immigration promises, Stitt stated, “President Trump promised to close our borders and drive violent criminals from our country. While everyone agrees on that, Americans are now questioning the end goal and the solution.” He underscored the belief in federalism and states’ rights, suggesting that most people wouldn’t want the federal government to intervene directly in their states.
When asked by CNN anchor Dana Bash whether he thought President Trump should pull ICE agents from Minnesota in light of the shootings, Stitt remarked that it’s ultimately up to the president to decide. “He’s a dealmaker, and perhaps he’s receiving some misguided advice right now. The president really needs to clarify what the solution is,” he added, indicating the complexity of the issue.
Stitt pointed out the necessity of enforcing federal law but argued against the idea of indiscriminately deporting non-citizens. Instead, he proposed that the administration focus on encouraging businesses to employ American workers, suggesting penalties for those who hire non-Americans. “We shouldn’t be granting them citizenship, but we need to repair the employer-employee relationship without politicizing it. The current level of anger is intense, and it’s important to calm things down,” he stated.
In response to the ICE operations, White House Press Secretary Abigail Jackson defended the administration, highlighting that Trump is committed to significant deportation efforts, including cases in Minnesota involving individuals with serious criminal backgrounds. She referred to ongoing resistance against such actions and emphasized the need for accountability.
The shooting of Preti follows another incident just weeks prior, where ICE agents shot Renee Good in a similar context. This has led to heightened tensions and calls for peace from local leaders amidst the unrest.
Stitt, who initiated a joint deportation effort last year dubbed Operation Guardian, demonstrated a history of collaboration with ICE and local law enforcement to address immigration issues effectively.
