On Friday, February 21, 2025, Governor Kevin Stitt announced that the State of Oklahoma has officially finalized three agreements with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, granting state law enforcement agencies enhanced authority to enforce federal immigration laws under Operation Guardian. Through these agreements, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN), and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) will work alongside Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to identify, arrest, and remove criminal illegal aliens from Oklahoma.

"Law enforcement can't do their jobs with one hand tied behind their back. By working directly with ICE, our law enforcement officers now have additional tools to keep dangerous criminals off our streets and protect Oklahomans," said Governor Stitt. "Oklahoma is proud to lead the way in strengthening border security from the state's side and enforcing the rule of law."

Under the authority granted by the Immigration and Nationality Act, specially trained officers from each agency will be able to:

- Interrogate individuals about their immigration status and process those arrested for state or federal crimes for immigration violations.

- Arrest individuals without a warrant if they are suspected of violating immigration laws and are likely to evade capture.

- Serve and execute arrest warrants for immigration violations.

- Issue immigration detainers and assist in the transport of illegal aliens to ICE detention facilities.

The agreements also outline rigorous training and oversight, requiring participating officers to complete federal training and operate under ICE supervision when enforcing immigration laws.

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

With these agreements in place, Oklahoma becomes one of the first states to fully integrate multiple state law enforcement agencies into ICE-led task forces, reinforcing the state’s role in fighting illegal immigration and protecting communities. 

Read the agreements with the Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.