Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, expressed concerns about President Donald Trump’s immigration approach during an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, questioning whether voters supported large-scale deportations as part of federal enforcement efforts.
Stitt appeared on the program to discuss Operation Metro Surge, the Trump administration’s deployment of more than 2,000 federal immigration agents to the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. The operation has drawn national attention amid renewed unrest in the region following a fatal encounter between federal agents and 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who authorities say was armed during the incident.
While acknowledging that Trump fulfilled campaign promises to strengthen border security and remove violent criminals, Stitt said he believes Americans are now seeking clarity about the long-term objective of immigration enforcement. He argued that while closing the border has broad public support, questions remain about the scope and direction of current policies.
The governor emphasized principles of federalism, saying states are often uneasy with large federal deployments and want a clearer understanding of the administration’s end goal. He added that, in his view, most Americans do not support deporting every non-citizen and that immigration policy should focus on practical, bipartisan solutions rather than political conflict.
Stitt also highlighted his support for giving states more authority in immigration matters, particularly in issuing work permits. He pointed to Oklahoma’s State Work Permits and Visas Task Force, launched by executive order in 2024, which aims to explore legal pathways for non-citizens to work and contribute to state economies. Earlier this year, Stitt joined Colorado Gov. Jared Polis in urging the federal government to allow states a greater role in shaping immigration-related workforce policies.