OKLAHOMA CITY — A federal judge approved a preliminary injunction Friday pausing Oklahoma’s new immigration reform law.
The law allowed Oklahoma law enforcement to arrest someone if they're undocumented and penalties involve hundreds or even thousands in fines plus jail time and requiring them to leave the state.
The federal government sued the state of Oklahoma to stop the law. On June 28, the judge approved an injunction to halt the law while the lawsuit proceeds.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond expressed disappointment:
“While today’s court ruling is disappointing, I will not stop fighting for Oklahoma and our right to protect our borders. The Biden Administration’s complete failure to enforce federal immigration laws made House Bill 4156 a necessity. We intend to appeal today’s decision and defend one of the most powerful tools we have to fight the criminal activity largely being fueled by illegal aliens in Oklahoma.”
The US government isn't the only entity opposing the bill.
El Centro in east Tulsa was outspoken against it when it passed in April.
Rev. Alvaro Nova, El Centro Board of Director, said in April, "The House of Representatives of Oklahoma and also the Oklahoma Senate is sending a clear message to the community that they don't like us here. So it's very sad, unconstitutional, and immoral."
WATCH: Stitt signs controversial immigration bill despite opponents' criticism:
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