An Oklahoma state lawyer told viewers to make federal immigration agents “miserable,” then mocked a murdered conservative leader, and state leaders still have not removed her.
Story Snapshot
- OSBI staff attorney Shannon Desherow urged Americans to harass federal immigration agents in viral videos.
- Desherow claimed federal immigration agents have “no authority” over United States citizens and vowed not to comply.
- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond condemned her and said she does not speak for Oklahoma.
- OSBI said it is reviewing the matter, but no decisive action has been announced.
State Attorney’s Viral Videos Target Federal Immigration Agents
Shannon Desherow, an Assistant General Counsel for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, posted videos urging Americans to make federal immigration agents’ lives “miserable.” She said she does not have to comply with their orders because they lack authority over United States citizens. The clips spread fast online and drew sharp backlash. An online compilation captured her statements and drove wider attention on social media and in the press.
Desherow spoke in harsh terms and described a scenario where an agent issues an order “at gunpoint.” She insisted such an order would be illegal and outside the agent’s power. She offered no statute, court case, or formal memo to support her claim. No incident report tied to her “gunpoint” example has surfaced. The stance appears to be a personal view, not official policy at her agency, based on current public statements.
Backlash From Oklahoma’s Top Law Officer And Media Spotlight
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond denounced the videos and said Desherow does not speak for the state. He urged that any law enforcement employee who feels that strongly against federal partners should resign. His message stressed that attacking the work and mission of federal immigration agents does not reflect Oklahoma law enforcement values. His public statement set a clear line between her views and the state’s position.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation stated it is “looking into it,” signaling an internal review is underway. The agency did not defend Desherow’s claims or adopt her position. Coverage from national outlets amplified the story and highlighted the harsh tone in the videos. Federal officials also warned that obstructing law enforcement is a felony, raising the legal stakes if her advice to the public spurred interference.
Desherow’s Role, Claims, And The Legal Tension
Desherow serves as an Assistant General Counsel, which makes her a state legal officer, not a random commentator. That role matters because citizens expect public lawyers to respect the law and work with federal partners when proper. Her claim that federal immigration agents lack authority over United States citizens is sweeping and, so far, unsupported by cited case law. The burden should rest on the person making the claim to show the legal basis.
The broader legal debate is real and complex. The United States Constitution’s Supremacy Clause protects federal agents acting within their duties. The Tenth Amendment blocks Washington from forcing states to enforce federal law. Courts and statehouses have wrestled with these limits for years. But there is a difference between setting policy on cooperation and telling the public to harass federal officers on the job.
Political Heat Rises After Posts Mock Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
Desherow’s videos did not stop with immigration. She also mocked conservative activist Charlie Kirk after his assassination, blaming him in crude terms. That crossed another line for many Oklahomans who respected Kirk’s voice and mourned his death. The reaction from Attorney General Drummond flagged these posts as part of a pattern that disrespected conservatives and law enforcement alike, fueling calls for her to step down.
For many readers, this is about standards and trust. Taxpayers should not fund officials who tell citizens to target federal officers. Words have consequences. When a state lawyer says “make their lives miserable,” some people will try. That risks chaos, lawsuits, and danger for officers and the public. If the claims had legal merit, she should show the law. If not, leaders should act fast to protect order, cooperation, and the rule of law.
Sources:
pjmedia.com, foxnews.com, youtube.com, facebook.com, ground.news
