Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt is announcing new partnerships between state law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The announcement from the governor means ICE agents will work with the State Department of Public Safety, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs Control to enforce federal immigration policies.
"President Trump is fulfilling his promise of a secure border and removing those who are a threat to public safety," said Governor Stitt. "We'll be able to leverage our existing law enforcement infrastructure and federal resources to enforce the law and keep Oklahomans safe. There will be no haven for illegal immigrants who break our laws. We will uphold Oklahoma's strong tradition of being a law & order state."
Under the agreement, ICE will delegate certain enforcement authority to Oklahoma law enforcement agencies. Agencies will join ICE task forces to investigate and apprehend individuals who pose significant risks to public safety. Oklahoma becomes one of the first states to enter into such an agreement.
"This agreement marks a significant step in our ongoing mission to keep Oklahomans safe through Operation Guardian," said Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton. “By joining forces with ICE, our state law enforcement agencies will have additional tools to apprehend dangerous individuals who threaten our communities. We remain steadfast in our commitment to law and order, and this partnership ensures Oklahoma can act swiftly and effectively to protect our citizens."