Oklahoma launches ‘Operation Guardian’ to deport hundreds of incarcerated illegal immigrants

 Operation Guardian is Oklahoma’s latest effort to tackle public safety concerns related to criminal activities by illegal immigrants.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) Commissioner Tim Tipton released a 10-page proposal that outlines plans to deport hundreds of incarcerated illegal immigrants in Oklahoma.

Commissioner Tipton provided key figures in the plan to define the scope of the project and the impact of the initiative:

525: The number of criminal illegal immigrants currently incarcerated in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC). 150 of the 525 incarcerated illegal immigrants are non-violent offenders.

$36,000: The daily cost to Oklahoma taxpayers for housing illegal immigrants in state prisons.

99: The number of individuals on the terrorist watchlist reportedly released into U.S. communities nationwide.

1.9 million: The estimated number of known "gotaways" who have entered the U.S. without law enforcement detection.

30%: The percentage of incarcerated criminal illegal immigrants convicted of violent crimes against children.

72%: The proportion of these offenders originating from Mexico, with others from Guatemala (8%), Honduras (7%), Vietnam (1%), and various other countries (12%).

27%: The percentage of offenders serving time for non-violent drug crimes.

14%: The share of offenders convicted of violent crimes resulting in death.

5: The strategic focus areas of Operation Guardian include transferring custody to ICE, addressing released offenders, and enhancing law enforcement protocols.

1.) Currently in DOC custody.

2.) Already served time in DOC and released.

3.) Currently serving time in county jails for minor crimes.

4.) Daily interaction with law enforcement who are committing crimes

4: The key legal programs leveraged by Operation Guardian, such as the ICE Rapid REPAT Program & 287(g) contracts, designed to improve collaboration with federal immigration authorities.

“We as a state are ready to immediately implement this plan to remove criminal illegal aliens that are a public safety threat for Oklahomans,” said Commissioner Tipton

Operation Guardian aims to enhance public safety through coordinated efforts across state, county, and federal agencies while addressing the financial impact on Oklahoma taxpayers.