Rep. John Pfeiffer, R-Orlando, passed House Bill 3195 through the House . The legislation would direct all sheriffs, jailers and deputies to comply with any request made in an immigration retainer request provided by the federal government.

The legislation would require the person identified in the immigration detainer to be informed they are being held pursuant to the request. A sheriff, jailer or deputy is not required to comply if the person has provided proof that the person is a citizen of the United States.

While presenting the bill before the committee, Pfeiffer explained that the need for the bill arose after a county sheriff released an illegal immigrant after only 90 minutes notice to the federal immigration office in Dallas.

“House Bill 3195 clarifies that our law enforcement should work with federal immigration agencies to help protect Oklahomans as these situations arise,” Pfeiffer said. “The need for this bill arose out of a need to promote cooperation between our state law enforcement officers and federal law enforcement agencies.”

The bill passed committee 13-4. It is now available to be considered on the House floor.