Lawton Police: Feds Want Cops To Secure Fort Sill Immigrant Children

Federal officials are requesting local police officers to provide security for immigrant children living at Fort Sill, according to the Lawton Police Department.

Health and Human Services (HHS) requested the assistance. The federal government will not allow police officers to carry their weapons on the post, according to Akard. The request for local police is raising questions over issues the federal government might face in securing its own post.

"I don't agree with using our local law enforcement to provide security for something that's federally directed," Lawton resident Mark Olson said.

Lawton police said Monday it denied the HHS request. Akard said the Lawton Police Department does not have jurisdiction at Fort Sill.

"It was explained to us that we would need to be in uniform," said Akard. "We would not be allowed to carry any firearms."

A high-ranking law enforcement source told News 9 officers with Lawton Public Schools have also been requested, but district leaders had not returned News 9's calls to confirm that information late Tuesday.

"They shouldn't have to have people there with guns to help supervise children," concerned resident Sandy Smith said.

HHS had not provided answers to questions concerning this story as of late Tuesday.