ICE Enforcement: Oklahoma DPS outlines plan under federal agreement

Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton addressed the public Tuesday, answering questions for the first time about the state's new agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enforce immigration laws.

The agreement grants specially trained state officers the authority to work alongside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to identify, arrest and deport undocumented immigrants with criminal records. Officials emphasized that the program will not involve random enforcement actions targeting individuals without criminal histories.

What You Need to Know

1. State-Federal Partnership: Oklahoma has joined Texas and Florida as one of the first three states to sign agreements with ICE, allowing state troopers and agents to receive training under Title 8 federal authority.
2. Training Details: The initial 40-hour training will be conducted virtually and in person at DPS headquarters, with ICE officials present. The first session is set for next week, with approximately 50 Oklahoma officers participating.
3. Targeted Enforcement: Tipton reiterated that the focus is on individuals who pose a public safety or national security risk. "If there's somebody who's a threat to public safety in the state of Oklahoma or a national security threat, then that's who we're targeting," he said.
4. No Roadside Checks: Unlike Florida, Oklahoma will not implement roadside checkpoints or mass immigration raids. Tipton clarified that ICE operations in Oklahoma have historically involved targeted arrests of individuals with outstanding warrants.

How the Program Works

Once trained, state officers will be authorized under ICE supervision to initiate deportation proceedings. This includes identifying and detaining individuals with criminal convictions or outstanding administrative warrants.

The enforcement process involves:

1. Local law enforcement officers notifying ICE when an undocumented individual is arrested.
2. ICE placing a detainer on the individual after their criminal charges are adjudicated.
3. Transfer of custody to ICE for deportation proceedings.

Under the new initiative, nonviolent offenders in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections may also be identified for removal before completing their full sentences, pending federal coordination.

Concerns and Clarifications

Tipton addressed concerns about potential enforcement at schools and workplaces. "We see no value in going into schools and trying to gain intelligence or information from students," he said. "Our focus is public safety and national security."

He also assured the public that officers would not engage in racial profiling or conduct enforcement actions based solely on an individual's appearance. "That's against state and federal law," he stated.

Next Steps

Following initial training, the state plans to expand participation to local police departments and sheriff’s offices that choose to join the program. Municipal and county agencies will be able to sign similar agreements with ICE and receive training in immigration enforcement.

Tipton emphasized that the program is intended to enhance public safety while reducing costs associated with housing undocumented individuals in state and county jails. "This is a cost-saving measure," he said. "By removing criminals who are here illegally, we're reducing the burden on law enforcement and taxpayers."

The agreement, signed Dec. 15, is expected to take full effect by Feb. 15, with enforcement efforts ramping up in the coming weeks.