Oklahoma Superintendent Stands Firm on ICE Policies in Schools
Ryan Walters emphasizes importance of immigration enforcement despite pushback from media and local officials.
Superintendent’s Controversial Statements
Oklahoma State School Superintendent Ryan Walters is facing scrutiny following his comments regarding the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in schools. In a recent interview, Walters expressed his willingness to allow federal agents to enter schools to detain undocumented individuals. His statements come amidst heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement since the Trump administration rescinded a policy prohibiting ICE activities in sensitive locations like schools.
Clash with Media
These remarks culminated in a contentious exchange with CNN anchor Brianna Keilar, during which Walters was pressed on whether the presence of ICE officials would traumatize students. In his defense, Walters argued that keeping families together during deportation procedures is paramount. He questioned whether it is appropriate for the left to criticize policies aimed at informing deportation processes, posing the query, “Are the Democrats and now the left-wing media the party of family separation?”
Policy Changes and Their Implications
Furthermore, Walters highlighted a new directive from the Oklahoma State Board of Education titled “Enhancing Enrollment Transparency.” This policy mandates that school districts collect data on students who cannot provide proof of citizenship or legal status. Walters argues that these measures are necessary for accurate resource allocation in the education system, asserting that it is a common-sense approach to ensure taxpayer funds are utilized effectively.
Polls and Public Opinion
Walters is buoyed by public sentiment, emphasizing that President Trump’s electoral success reflected widespread support for such policies. He claims that a majority of Americans rally behind strict immigration enforcement and are frustrated by perceived leniencies toward illegal immigration. “So you look at this and you say: ‘CNN, left wing media, Democrats, you don’t want to have the real conversation because it requires you to admit you created this problem,’” he argued.
Impact on Education
In a broader context, Walters expressed concern about the strain illegal immigration places on Oklahoma schools. He noted how educational resources are increasingly diverted to accommodate students who may struggle due to language barriers or other challenges. “While the left continues to go out and defend and champion the cause of illegal immigrant criminals, we’re looking at the American citizen, Oklahomans, and we’re sitting here saying, ‘listen, what about the kid that’s over a year behind in reading?’” he stated.
Citing Public Safety Issues
Moreover, Walters pointed to the adverse effects of illegal immigration on public safety, linking it to rising drug trafficking incidents, particularly fentanyl. “And we know that over 99% of that fentanyl has come across the border. So the left, they can cry their crocodile tears. It’s complete phony outrage,” he said, stressing the need to prioritize the welfare of American citizens over that of undocumented immigrants.
Call to Action for Other States
Looking forward, Walters is advocating for similar measures to be adopted nationwide. He believes it’s time for other states to adopt stringent policies supporting deportation and enhanced border security efforts championed by the Trump administration. “This country is a law and order country. We cannot continue to allow criminal activity, we cannot continue to allow sanctuary schools,” he declared.
Conclusion: A Divided Landscape
In conclusion, Ryan Walters’s firm stance on allowing ICE in schools has sparked a divided conversation across media platforms and within community forums. As discussions surrounding immigration reform continue, it remains to be seen how these policies will ultimately shape both educational environments and community dynamics in Oklahoma and beyond.
