In a move that champions constitutional rights for all individuals within the state's borders, the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus has passed a resolution calling for the humane treatment of immigrants. The resolution, which was adopted recently, underscores the principle that everyone in the United States is entitled to due process, equal protection under the law, and to be treated with humanity and respect.
The adopted resolution also stipulates that law enforcement officers are not to obscure their identities through masking, barring health-related reasons, and demands transparency regarding the detention of individuals. House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson stated, "Every single human being deserves to have the same rights enshrined in the Constitution,” and emphasized the importance of treating all individuals with respect, humanity, and fairness, especially those who fear for their safety. This sentiment, echoes the Caucus's stance on immigrant rights in the state of Oklahoma. Munson's comments were featured in a recent news release from her office.
Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, another proponent of the resolution, and member of the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus, noted the resolution's alignment with the nation's foundational laws. "This resolution demonstrates our commitment to our nation’s Constitution, which grants rights to every person regardless of citizenship status," Alonso-Sandoval told Oklahoma House News.
Adding a local cultural perspective, Rep. Annie Menz, also from the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus, commented on the shared values of the state. "In Oklahoma, showing kindness to immigrants reflects who we are and who we’re called to be—people of welcome, not of walls,” Menz said on the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her words underline the broader narrative of compassion and communal belonging that the resolution strives to invoke. As outlined in the news from the Oklahoma House, the resolution serves as a reflection of values such as compassion, hard work, and, inclusive community.
For those interested in viewing the full text of the resolution, it's readily available online in both English and Spanish.
