Oklahoma reaches agreement to expand state immigration enforcement

Gov. Kevin Stitt announced on Friday that the state has finalized three agreements between state agencies and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under Operation Guardian, permitting state law enforcement officers to enforce federal law.

The agreements made by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN), and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) enable collaboration of state law enforcement with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to track, identify, arrest, and remove what are determined to be criminal illegal aliens.

Expansion of Law Enforcement Powers

Specially trained officers in the state of Oklahoma will now be able to:

• Interrogate individuals about their immigration status.

• Arrest suspects without a warrant if they are likely to evade capture.

• Serve and execute arrest warrants for immigration violations.

• Issue immigration detainers and assist in transporting detainees to ICE facilities.

READ MORE: Targeted immigration enforcement operations happening in Oklahoma

Officers must undergo federal training and operate under ICE supervision while enforcing immigration laws.

Statewide Impact

Governor Stitt emphasized in his press release that these agreements will strengthen border security and public safety in Oklahoma.

READ MORE: Eye on Safety: OKC Police on illegal immigration

"This is a significant step in ensuring Oklahoma is not a safe haven for criminal illegal migrants," said DPS Commissioner Tim Tipton in the Governor's press release. “By working hand-in-hand with ICE, our troopers will have the authority to take decisive action against those who threaten public safety.”

Oklahoma is now one of the first to fully integrate multiple law enforcement agencies into ICE-led task forces, increasing its role in fighting illegal immigration.

Read Stitt's full announcement on the Oklahoma state government's official website.