Representative Arturo Alonso Sandoval

D

District 89

Hi, I’m Arturo Alonso Sandoval and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 89th District.


representative

Leadership

Minority Caucus Secretary

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Mar 13, 2025

Alonso-Sandoval debates against unnecessary increased criminalization for undocumented Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Latino Caucus Member Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, debated against HB 1362 on the House Floor today, arguing it is an unnecessary measure with constitutional concerns.  The bill, which passed with a party line vote of 73, 16, would allow undocumented Oklahomans who are arrested for criminal violations to be automatically guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in the Department of Corrections for no less than 5 years and be subject to a possible cash bond of $35K and deportation. “This bill is not only un-Oklahoman, but un-American,” Alonso-Sandoval said. “We have a need in Oklahoma to fill essential jobs and when we further target undocumented Oklahomans, we reduce the number of services and taxes they provide to the state. We know that undocumented Oklahomans provide $227M in taxes annually. Not only that, but we already have several laws in place statewide and nationally that are targeting the issue of illegal immigration, making this bill unnecessary and purely political. These are individuals who are working and serving in Oklahoma and doing the best they can to provide for their families–all things we are supposed to value in Oklahoma. Bills like this threaten the very fabric of Oklahoma and put unnecessary strain on law enforcement agencies who have spoken with me on how bills like this actively make their jobs harder. It also normalizes charging an individual committing a civil violation to immediately being charged with a felony, which should scare everyone. It will make people scared to work with law enforcement which does nothing to help with our public safety. I fear for our states financial, food, and workforce security if bills like this keep passing.” -END-

Feb 20, 2025

House Democrats protect local control, defend Oklahomans’ property rights

OKLAHOMA CITY – This week, Oklahoma House Democrats voted on and debated against two bills that impact Oklahomans’ property rights and local control. Both bills increase regulations, suppress local control, and foster a confusing business environment for the energy industry by creating new setback requirements and disempowering local elected officials to make the best decisions for their communities. The first bill,  HB 1989 , was heard in Energy Committee on Feb. 19 where it failed. The second bill,  HB 2751 , was heard in Utilities Committee on Feb. 20 where it passed. Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, debated against HB 2751 in Utilities Committee, claiming both bills infringed on Oklahomans’ property rights and local control within counties. “House Democrats stood up for Oklahomans’ private property rights and local control,” Leader Munson said. “By voting against both bills, we upheld these two values that are shared across our state, regardless of where we live. We want to remain a leader in the energy industry, and in order to do that, we can’t change the rules of engagement because of tired rhetoric. In order to keep costs low, we need to ensure competition and keep our word to the industries we are doing business with today. By prioritizing an all of the above energy approach, with our abundance of energy sources, we will lower costs, create jobs, and bring more resources to communities across our state.” Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa, debated against HB 1989 in Energy Committee. “This bill distorts free markets, reduces local control, adds governmental burdens and restricts property rights–but only for one industry,” Waldron said. “It will raise rates in my district and reduce investment in rural districts. And they claim to be a party of free enterprise.” Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, is a member of the Energy Committee and voted against HB 1989. "This legislation severely limits landowners' ability to use their own property in ways that can support their families,” Hefner said. “Private property rights and the ability to manage their own land are important to all Oklahomans." Democratic Caucus Secretary Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City also debated against HB 2751 in Utilities Committee. “This bill weakens our state’s ability to use all our resources to maintain leadership in both energy and clean energy,” Alonso-Sandoval said. “It hurts Oklahoma families by preventing them from accessing wind energy benefits: new jobs for our communities, increased local tax revenue, and an important additional source of income that helps landowners support their families.” -END-

Jan 27, 2025

Oklahoma's Children Deserve Better: Rejecting Dangerous School Immigration Raids

OKLAHOMA CITY--House Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement after the Oklahoma State Superintendent announced ICE raids would be permitted in Oklahoma public schools: “The State Superintendent’s endorsement of ICE raids in Oklahoma schools isn't just morally wrong – it's constitutionally indefensible. Anyone who claims undocumented children don't deserve an education shows blatant disregard for both our state and federal constitutions, which guarantee this fundamental right. “Let's be clear: we're talking about children. As Jesus taught, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’ (Matthew 19:14). These are children who have done nothing wrong, who simply want to learn and grow alongside their classmates. “We cannot overlook the facts: Oklahoma ranks 49th in education nationally, with one in five children struggling with mental illness. Instead of protecting and educating our children, he chooses to terrorize them. His inflammatory rhetoric has already sparked racist incidents in our schools, including recent attacks targeting Hispanic students in Broken Arrow – this is unacceptable. “Bringing ICE agents into classrooms would devastate our educational system, traumatizing the young minds of all students. This reckless policy would drive children from schools, fueling dropout rates and undermining our state's future at a time when Oklahoma desperately needs young, skilled talent. “These children – regardless of their documentation status – share the same dreams, fears, and potential as every other student in our classrooms. They are children first and foremost, deserving of protection, education, and the chance to build a better future. “As the proud son of immigrant parents, I know our immigrant families embody the American Dream, contributing daily to our communities despite relentless attacks. Oklahoma's teachers and school staff witness firsthand how these young students and their families strengthen our schools and state through their resilience and determination. “I, like so many Oklahomans, demand an immediate end to this dangerous political exploitation of our children. Oklahoma's future depends on educating ALL our students – not driving them into the shadows.” -END-