Key Takeaways
• Ryan Walters filed a $474 million lawsuit against Homeland Security and ICE in January 2025.
• Walters claims federal immigration policies force Oklahoma to fund undocumented students’ education.
• Homeland Security seeks dismissal arguing immigration policy is a federal responsibility.
Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters’ $474 Million Immigration Lawsuit: Homeland Security Seeks Dismissal
Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters has taken a bold step in the national debate over immigration and education funding. In January 2025, Walters filed a $474 million lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Biden administration. He claims that federal immigration policies have forced Oklahoma taxpayers to cover the costs of educating undocumented immigrant children, putting a heavy strain on the state’s public schools. As of late May 2025, the lawsuit remains active in federal court, with the Department of Homeland Security seeking its dismissal. This case has sparked heated debate, drawing attention from policymakers, immigrant advocates, and educators across the United States 🇺🇸.
What Is the Lawsuit About?
On January 14, 2025, Ryan Walters announced that he was suing Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, ICE Deputy Director Peter Flores, and other federal officials. The lawsuit demands $474 million in compensation, which Walters says is the amount Oklahoma has spent to educate children of undocumented immigrants. The lawsuit names the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection as defendants.
Walters argues that the Biden administration failed to secure the nation’s borders, leaving Oklahoma to pay for the consequences. He claims that resources meant for Oklahoma children have been diverted to cover costs created by federal immigration policy failures. According to Walters, these costs include extra programs, more staff, and support services for non-citizen students, all of which put pressure on district budgets.
In his public statement, Walters said, “This lawsuit is about accountability and ensuring that our children receive the quality education they deserve, free from the federal government’s failures, even from a failed, outgoing administration.”
Key Claims Made by Ryan Walters
The lawsuit makes several important claims:
- Oklahoma taxpayers have spent about $474 million to educate children of undocumented immigrants.
- Resources for Oklahoma children have been redirected to address federal immigration policy failures.
- The Biden administration’s border policies have caused “skyrocketing costs” for Oklahoma schools to accommodate non-citizen students.
- These costs include extra programs, staff, and support services that strain school budgets.
Walters has been vocal about what he sees as a “critical issue” for Oklahoma. On May 16, 2025, he said, “We sued the Biden administration for hundreds of millions of dollars. That’s the minimum that we know that we’re owed.” He also claimed that illegal immigration has caused disruptions in Oklahoma schools, with districts reporting large numbers of migrant students arriving and leaving quickly. This, he says, makes it hard for schools to plan and use their resources well.
Homeland Security’s Response and Lawsuit Status
The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not commented directly on the ongoing litigation. However, as of May 28, 2025, the lawsuit is still active in federal court. When Walters filed the lawsuit, he believed the federal government had about 30 days to respond. There have been no official court rulings or dismissal motions reported in public records, but Walters’ recent comments confirm that the case is still being fought in court.
Homeland Security is now seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed, arguing that federal immigration policy is a matter for the federal government, not the states. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for whether states can demand reimbursement from the federal government for costs related to undocumented students in public schools.
Legal Background: Education and Immigration
A key point in this debate is the legal obligation of public schools to educate all children, regardless of immigration status. This requirement comes from the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1982 decision in Plyler v. Doe. The Court ruled that states cannot deny students access to public education based on their immigration status. This means that, under current law, Oklahoma and all other states must allow undocumented children to attend public schools.
The U.S. Department of Education has also stated that public schools should not ask for students’ immigration status, as this could discourage families from enrolling their children. This position is meant to protect the rights of all children to receive an education, no matter where they were born or their legal status.
For more information on federal education policy and immigrant students, readers can visit the U.S. Department of Education’s official page on educational services for immigrant children.
Criticism and Opposition to the Lawsuit
Ryan Walters’ lawsuit has faced strong criticism from immigrant advocacy groups and some education leaders. Dream Action Oklahoma, an immigrant rights group, called the lawsuit “utterly ridiculous.” Cynthia Garcia, a representative of the group, said, “Frankly, I think it’s embarrassing. While we are ranked 49th in the U.S. in education, our superintendent continues to focus on vilifying and further isolating immigrants and undocumented students instead of actually doing his job.”
Critics argue that the lawsuit ignores the legal duty of schools to educate all children. They also say that blaming immigrant students for budget problems is unfair and distracts from the real challenges facing Oklahoma’s education system. Many point out that schools have always served children from many backgrounds and that diversity can be a strength in the classroom.
Related Controversies Involving Ryan Walters
Ryan Walters has been at the center of several other controversies during his time as State Superintendent:
- In December 2024, Walters proposed a rule requiring Oklahoma schools to ask students for proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status. While undocumented students would still be allowed to attend public schools, districts would have to report their numbers to the state Department of Education. This proposal drew criticism from the U.S. Department of Education, which said that asking for immigration status is unnecessary and could discourage enrollment.
- The Oklahoma Ethics Commission has also pursued litigation against Walters over alleged campaign finance violations. In March 2025, the Commission voted to prosecute him, and in May 2025, Walters agreed to pay $18,300 to settle fundraising accusations.
These controversies have added to the debate over Walters’ leadership and his focus on immigration issues.
The Political Context: Immigration Policy and the Trump Administration
The lawsuit comes at a time of change in federal immigration policy. The Biden administration ended in January 2025, and the Trump administration has since begun to implement new immigration policies. Walters has openly connected his actions to supporting President Trump’s immigration agenda. He stated, “We’re doing all that we can to support President Trump on that agenda.”
This political context is important because it shows how state and federal leaders can have very different views on immigration. Walters’ lawsuit is part of a larger national debate about who should pay for the costs of immigration and how to balance the needs of all students.
What Does This Mean for Oklahoma Schools and Taxpayers?
If Walters’ lawsuit is successful, Oklahoma could receive hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal government. This money could be used to support schools, hire more teachers, or improve programs for all students. However, if the lawsuit fails, Oklahoma will continue to bear the costs of educating undocumented children, as required by federal law.
The case also raises questions for other states. If Oklahoma wins, other states might file similar lawsuits, seeking reimbursement for their own costs. This could lead to big changes in how education is funded and how immigration policy is handled across the United States 🇺🇸.
Implications for Immigrant Families and Students
For immigrant families and students, the lawsuit has created uncertainty and fear. Some worry that increased attention on immigration status could lead to discrimination or make families afraid to send their children to school. Others are concerned that schools might be pressured to collect information about students’ legal status, even though federal guidelines say this should not happen.
Advocates for immigrant students stress the importance of keeping schools open and welcoming for all children. They argue that every child deserves a chance to learn and succeed, no matter where they were born.
What Happens Next?
As of late May 2025, the lawsuit is still in federal court. The Department of Homeland Security is seeking to have the case dismissed, arguing that immigration policy is a federal responsibility. ICE officials have declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.
The outcome of this case could have a big impact on education funding, immigration policy, and the rights of students across the country. It may also influence how states and the federal government work together on issues that affect both education and immigration.
Practical Guidance for Stakeholders
For school administrators and teachers in Oklahoma, it is important to remember that all children have the right to attend public school, regardless of immigration status. Schools should not ask for or collect information about students’ legal status, as this is not required and could discourage enrollment.
For parents and students, know that your child has the right to a public education. Schools cannot deny enrollment based on immigration status. If you have concerns about your child’s rights, you can find more information on the U.S. Department of Education’s website.
For taxpayers and community members, this lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate about how to pay for public education and who should bear the costs of federal immigration policy. Stay informed about developments in the case and consider how changes in policy could affect your local schools.
Broader National Impact
This lawsuit is not just about Oklahoma. It is part of a larger conversation about immigration, education, and the responsibilities of state and federal governments. If more states follow Oklahoma’s lead, there could be new legal battles over who pays for the education of undocumented children.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the outcome of this case could set a precedent for future lawsuits and influence how states approach the costs of immigration. The case also highlights the tension between state and federal governments over immigration policy and funding.
Conclusion: What to Watch For
Ryan Walters’ $474 million immigration lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies is a major development in the ongoing debate over immigration and education funding. The case raises important questions about the rights of students, the responsibilities of schools, and the role of the federal government in supporting public education.
As the lawsuit moves forward in federal court, all eyes will be on the outcome and its potential impact on schools, families, and taxpayers—not just in Oklahoma, but across the United States 🇺🇸. Stakeholders should stay informed, know their rights, and be prepared for possible changes in policy and funding in the months ahead.
For official updates and more information about immigration policy and education, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website.
Learn Today
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → Federal agency enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants from the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) → Federal department responsible for protecting the U.S. from internal and external threats, including immigration enforcement.
Undocumented Immigrant → A foreign-born individual residing in the U.S. without legal immigration status or authorization.
Plyler v. Doe → 1982 Supreme Court ruling requiring public schools to educate all children, regardless of immigration status.
Lawsuit Dismissal → A court decision to terminate a case without a trial, often for legal or jurisdictional reasons.
This Article in a Nutshell
Oklahoma’s Superintendent Ryan Walters sued the federal government for $474 million over immigration costs. The case challenges funding burdens for educating undocumented children amid ongoing federal policy debates and potential national precedent on immigration and education funding responsibilities.
— By VisaVerge.com
