The Oklahoma Republican Party passed a resolution this weekend censuring Sen. James Lankford for his role in bipartisan border negotiations, alleging that his actions threaten the safety and security of Americans. The resolution, led by state Sen. Dusty Deevers, accuses Lankford of compromising with Democrats on border policy, potentially endangering legal immigration processes and national security.
Lankford, a key figure in the Senate border security talks, has been working on a compromise intended to manage the flow of migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border. The proposed deal includes stringent measures such as the authority for the Department of Homeland Security to close the border under certain conditions, like when migrant numbers exceed specified thresholds.
Despite Lankford’s defense of his actions, stating the importance of policy change, the Oklahoma GOP’s resolution reflects a growing divide within the party, especially in the context of former President Donald Trump’s influence. Trump has vocally opposed the deal, viewing it as a betrayal of his administration’s strict border policies.
The censure illustrates the party’s staunch opposition to what it perceives as an “open border deal”. The Oklahoma GOP asserts that the agreement, which also includes funding for Ukraine and Israel, contradicts Republican values by potentially allowing more illegal immigrants into the U.S. than legal ones.
President Biden, supporting the deal, has emphasized its balance between tough border security and fairness, including new emergency powers to shut down the border. However, with the Oklahoma GOP withdrawing support for Lankford and Trump rallying against the compromise, the deal faces significant hurdles.
Republicans are allegedly being told to avoid bipartisan resolutions; immigration is a crucial issue for the 2024 election, and its status as a point of contention between the parties might be defused should Democrats and Republicans reach an agreement. Donald Trump is said to have been pushing for the issue to balloon into something he could campaign on.
This intra-party conflict occurs as Senate Republicans, including Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, show renewed interest in the deal, acknowledging the need for enhanced border security tied to international aid. The resolution against Lankford underscores the ongoing tension within the Republican Party, as it grapples with divergent views on immigration and border security.
