Republican Raises Doubts About Trump
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt raised questions Sunday about the long-term direction of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy, emphasizing the need for clear goals and cooperation between federal and state leaders.
The comments came shortly after a federal border agent was involved in a fatal incident in Minneapolis that resulted in the death of an American citizen, drawing renewed attention to how immigration laws are being enforced across the country.
Appearing on a Sunday news program, Stitt said the Biden administration left behind what he described as a “broken” immigration system, but warned that enforcement without a clearly defined objective risks creating confusion and public frustration.
“Americans want to know where this is all headed,” Stitt said. “We believe in federalism and state authority. People expect Washington to work with states, not around them.”
Calls for Clarity, Not Chaos
Stitt stressed that most Americans support strong border security while also expecting common-sense reforms that respect constitutional limits and public safety.
He questioned whether the current approach sends a clear message to the public.
“Is the goal to remove every non-citizen from the country?” he asked. “That’s not what most Americans are asking for. They want stability, fairness, and order.”
The governor said immigration has become overly politicized and argued that meaningful reform requires cooperation, not confrontation.
Recent Incidents Raise Tensions
The Minneapolis incident followed another fatal encounter weeks earlier involving a federal immigration officer and a U.S. citizen, contributing to heightened tensions in several large cities.
In response, demonstrations have taken place in Democrat-led jurisdictions, while progressive lawmakers have renewed calls to restrict the authority of federal immigration agencies.
Supporters of stronger enforcement argue those agencies remain essential to border control and national security, especially after years of lax enforcement under previous leadership.
Enforcement Numbers and Next Steps
According to the Department of Homeland Security, more than 675,000 individuals have been removed from the country since President Trump returned to office. Officials also report that millions have chosen to leave voluntarily.
Despite those figures, Stitt said enforcement alone does not address the deeper structural problems within the immigration system.
As chairman of the National Governors Association, he pointed to policy ideas aimed at restoring balance between enforcement and economic realities.
Workforce Solutions and Employer Accountability
One proposal discussed by Stitt would allow states to issue temporary workforce permits, a responsibility currently held only by the federal government.
He also suggested imposing financial penalties on employers who hire non-citizens, arguing the policy could encourage businesses to prioritize American workers while generating revenue to reduce the national debt.
“If there’s an employer-employee relationship, that’s where reform should begin,” Stitt said. “That’s how you fix the system without turning everything into a political fight.”
Governors Call for Cooperation
Later Sunday, Stitt and Maryland Governor Wes Moore released a joint statement urging stronger collaboration between federal, state, and local governments on immigration enforcement.
They emphasized that governors are closest to conditions on the ground and play a critical role in maintaining public safety.
During times of national strain, the statement said, effective leadership requires coordination, shared responsibility, and a commitment to solutions that serve the entire country.
