Republican-controlled states are expanding local police authority and imposing criminal penalties on undocumented immigrants as the issue of border crossings takes center stage in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. Oklahoma’s recently passed law criminalizes unauthorized presence in the state, with potential prison sentences of up to two years. Other states, including Texas, Tennessee, Iowa, and Louisiana, are considering or have implemented similar measures. These efforts draw criticism from immigration advocates, who assert that immigration is a federal matter and that state laws will face legal challenges.