House Democrats adopt resolution for humane treatment of immigrants
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus adopted a resolution urging state and local leaders to abide by the U.S. Constitution and treat immigrants with the fairness and respect they rightfully deserve. The resolution reasserts that every person within the borders of the United States is entitled to due process, equal protection, and humane treatment. It also says law enforcement officers should not hide their identities or wear masks that conceal their identity when dealing with the public unless they are illness related. It also calls for every agency in the state to be transparent about who is being detained and where they are being held. “Every single human being deserves to have the same rights enshrined in the Constitution,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “They deserve to be treated with respect, humanity, and fairness. While so many individuals, both documented and undocumented, are fearing for their safety, it is important we remember that we are human beings first and that everyone needs access to information regarding their loved ones—detained or not. Every Oklahoman deserves due process and equal protection regardless of their documentation status as written in our Constitution.” Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, a member of the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus, says this resolution shows Oklahoma House Democrats’ commitment to upholding the Constitution. “This resolution demonstrates our commitment to our nation’s Constitution, which grants rights to every person regardless of citizenship status,” said Alonso-Sandoval. “We are reaffirming our support for those who come to our nation, work hard every day toward the American dream, and in doing so make our state and nation stronger.” Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, a member of the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus, says kindness is a shared Oklahoma value. “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. “Our public policies must be a reflection of our deepest values: compassion, hard work, and the belief that everyone deserves a place to belong.” To read a copy of the resolution in English, click here . To read the document in Spanish, click here . -END-