OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Hispanic Culture day at the Oklahoma Capitol looks a bit different this year.
Legislative leaders and advocates moved the event to the steps of the Capitol because of the size of the crowd.
Hundreds of people from across the state are taking part.
“It makes me it makes me mad because, you know, my family and I don’t want them to be separated from me, said Pamela Herrera who, opposes HB 4156.
This event has turned into a rally in response to the new Immigration bill passed by lawmakers and signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt.
Speakers have focused on a consistent topic and that is that they are Oklahomans and that is what matters.
“We’re here to work. We’re here to respect everyone. I feel that they’re being unfair. This is going to create a lot of racial profiling,” said Sophia Isiordia, who opposes HB 4156.
The group also went into the capitol for lunch and wrote letters in opposition to the law to tape on Governor Stitt’s door.
Senator Michael Brooks-Jimenez was at the event as well. He said he’s advocating for the community and is thankful the turnout of Wednesday’s event was so high.
“I fully anticipate that there will be litigation filed before the effective date of the bill,” said Michael Brooks-Jimenez, (D) Oklahoma City.
Many Oklahoman’s oppose the bill, but some are in support.
“I agree with the house bill because, you know, if you enter this country– this country is based on the law and everybody needs to follow the law,” said Pablo Morales, who became a citizen in 2000.
House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, and Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, are the authors of the measure that seeks to crack down on illegal immigration.
Governor Kevin Stitt and Attorney General Gentner Drummond sent News 4 a statement on Wednesday in response to the rally.
“Our state capitol is the People’s House, and we’re blessed to live in a country where free speech is protected.
After Attorney General Gentner Drummond requested HB 4156, we knew this was going to create challenging narratives for Oklahoma’s Hispanic communities. That’s why I launched a task force to come up with clear legal pathways for people to join our workforce and help those who embrace our country’s values and want to contribute to the economy. Oklahoma is going to be a law and order state while uplifting Hispanic Oklahomans and all those who seek to join the American Dream.”
Gov. Kevin Stitt
“Attorney General Drummond trusts our police forces and sheriffs’ offices to enforce the new law without violating the Constitutional rights of U.S. citizens. While he respects the concerns expressed by opponents of the law, AG Drummond has been clear that HB 4156 is necessary to crack down on the illicit marijuana grows and other criminal enterprises that often are fueled by illegal foreign nationals. Racial profiling already is strictly prohibited by law.”
Phil Bacharach Director of Communications for OK Attorney General Gentner Drummond
The law goes into effect July 1.
