Oklahoma's "Operation Guardian" has recently intensified its immigration enforcement efforts, resulting in the latest sting being a major topic of discussion. According to KFOR, 73 undocumented immigrants were detained in Eastern Oklahoma, a move that follows an earlier operation that nabbed 120 individuals in Western Oklahoma in September. This ongoing initiative is the result of a partnership between Governor Stitt and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers, working alongside ICE agents, conducted a recent operation focusing on commercial motor vehicles. Commissioner of Public Safety Tim Tipton said the operation uncovered a significant number of drivers operating large trucks without proper credentials or English proficiency, according to a statement obtained by KFOR. Social media posts warned drivers about the operation, which extended across multiple areas, including the East Coast.
In a recent meeting with public safety leaders, Commissioner Tipton touted the sting's effectiveness and encouraged other states to take similar measures. According to KOCO, the commissioner stated, "We feel it's critical here in Oklahoma to take this type of enforcement action, and our partnership with ICE has been very productive." During these stops, it was reported that one individual was found with an Interpol warrant, and others attempted to flee on foot, prompting a perimeter setup to properly apprehend them.
All Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers are now accredited under ICE, endowing them with federal immigration enforcement powers, which include the controversial questioning of immigration status and carrying out searches and seizures. “Our normal trooper out there working his normal assignment, taking calls for service, working collisions, dealing with intoxicated drivers, all the variety of things that a trooper does on a daily basis,” Tipton told Oklahoma Voice, "This just gives them the ability that if in their normal course of duty, they run across somebody who is here illegally, then they have, one, the authority to question them about their immigration status, and then, two, to also take immigration enforcement based under federal under federal law."
Operation Guardian has led to increased security at Oklahoma's ports of entry. ICE is working with local law enforcement to process and transport detainees. Some commercial drivers have been advised to take alternate routes, and the operation will continue as part of ongoing enforcement.
