HeartlandHighlights

🌟 HeartlandHighlights 🛤️ Your guide to all things Oklahoma 🎉 Local news | Events | Hidden gems 🍂 Celebrating life in the Sooner State

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ICE Rumors Spark Action: Tulsa Schools and Advocates Unite

The possibility of ICE raids at Tulsa schools has prompted swift action from districts, lawyers, and the community. While these rumors create fear, local leaders are stepping up to provide guidance and reassurance.

School Districts Respond Tulsa Public Schools, Owasso Public Schools, and Broken Arrow Public Schools are all reviewing federal policies while reaffirming their commitment to student safety. TPS’s message is clear: “Every child has the right to an education, and we will provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students.”

A Lawyer’s Perspective Immigration attorney Lorena Rivas advises families to stay calm and prepared. She reminds everyone:

ICE must have a judicial warrant to act within schools.

Students’ immigration statuses are protected by privacy laws.

Resources and support are available to families.

What’s Next? Community members are urged to share concerns using TPS’s new feedback form and ensure emergency contact info is current. Advocates are working to provide ongoing updates as federal policies evolve.

Fear shouldn’t overshadow education. Together, Tulsa is showing the power of unity in the face of uncertainty.

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Tulsa Immigration Lawyers Work Overtime to Protect Families

With rumors of ICE actions at Tulsa schools, immigration lawyer Lorena Rivas has seen a surge in calls. “We’re busier than ever,” she says, adding that the focus is on keeping families informed and safe.

The Legal Reality Rivas emphasizes that immigrant children—documented or not—are entitled to education. “Schools are sensitive locations,” she explains, meaning ICE can only act with a judicial warrant. Tulsa Public Schools is also taking steps to ensure students feel secure, stating: “We will teach every student and keep them safe.”

Community Guidance Rivas is preparing resources for teachers to help them understand their students’ rights. She also advises families to:

Carry legal documents, such as green cards.

Ensure emergency contact information is up to date with schools.

Use local resources to stay informed.

By coming together, Tulsa schools and immigration advocates are working to protect the community’s most vulnerable.

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Tulsa Schools Stand Firm: Protecting Students Amid Immigration Uncertainty

The recent rumors of potential ICE actions at schools have sent shockwaves through Tulsa’s immigrant communities. Local school districts and immigration lawyers are rallying to provide clarity, protection, and resources during this unsettling time.

The Impact on Students Tulsa School Board Vice President John Croisant revealed a troubling trend: a noticeable drop in enrollment since Christmas. “We believe a lot of that is because of these threats against families and children,” Croisant said. Despite the uncertainty, Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) assures families that all students are welcome and safe.

TPS’s Commitment TPS issued a statement reaffirming its dedication to creating a safe, welcoming environment for all students, regardless of immigration status. The district does not collect immigration-related data and requires a warrant signed by a judge for any ICE-related action on school property.

What Families Can Do Immigration lawyer Lorena Rivas reminds families: “Every child has the right to an education. ICE cannot enter schools without a warrant.” She encourages those concerned to keep their documents, including green cards, readily accessible and ensure emergency contact information is up to date.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and know your rights.

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Why Oklahoma is a Hotspot for Startups in 2025 🚀

According to experts and recent studies, Oklahoma ranks as one of the best places to launch a startup next year, landing at #6 overall in WalletHub’s ranking of all 50 states.

What makes Oklahoma so appealing?

Low corporate taxes: Just 4%, ranking fourth nationally.

Affordable labor costs: Median annual income is $61,364.

Rapid growth: Oklahoma ranks fifth in GDP growth and sixth in job growth.

Cost efficiency: Affordable office space and low living costs.

With a focus on sectors like tech, healthcare, and renewable energy, plus emerging trends in AI and green technologies, Oklahoma offers golden opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Gov. Kevin Stitt’s push for a zero-income-tax state and support for business-friendly policies only sweetens the deal. Could Oklahoma be the perfect place for your next venture?

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Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is praising the passage of the Laken Riley Act, calling it a “game changer for public safety.”

The act grants state attorneys general the authority to enforce deportations and sue federal officials to ensure immigration laws are upheld. Drummond highlighted the Biden administration’s refusal to secure the border, saying the act could have prevented significant harm, including the tragedy that inspired the legislation—the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley.

Drummond says, “Had this measure been in place, I would have had the power to force the deportation of thousands of criminal illegal immigrants here in Oklahoma who have caused immeasurable harm.”

What are your thoughts on this legislation and its implications for public safety and immigration reform?

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The race for the next Tulsa County GOP Chair is heating up, and one of the candidates, Charity Marcus, is making waves.

Marcus, once a registered Democrat, shared her journey of becoming a Republican after deeply reviewing party platforms. Now, she’s running to replace Ronda Vuillemont-Smith as the leader of the Tulsa County Republican Party.

Marcus believes the GOP in Tulsa County has an image problem—one she’s determined to fix. “There’s a small group that attacks, and it turns people off. That’s not what the party is,” she says.

Delegates will cast their votes at the March 1st convention at Stoney Creek Hotel, but anyone hoping to participate must first attend precinct meetings on January 28th.

Will Charity Marcus bring a fresh perspective to local GOP leadership? Share your thoughts below.

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38-Year-Old Suspect Identified in Tulsa Standoff Tragedy

In a tense, hours-long standoff last Friday in north Tulsa, tragedy unfolded as police shot and killed 38-year-old Gerardo Almazan.

The incident began with reports of an armed robbery near Pine and Sheridan, where Almazan allegedly threatened a 14-year-old with a semi-automatic pistol to steal the teen's cellphone. When officers arrived, Almazan retreated into the house, refusing to comply with their commands and initiating a lockdown of the entire street.

The standoff ended in violence as Almazan emerged with a pistol, prompting officers to fire. He was pronounced dead on the scene. Authorities confirmed that the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.

This event has left the community shaken, with questions and conversations arising about public safety, mental health, and police procedures in high-stakes situations.

What are your thoughts on incidents like these and their broader implications for our communities? Let’s have a thoughtful conversation.