OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) – Governor Kevin Stitt named Oklahoma Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton to lead “Operation Guardian” Friday, November 15.

The goal of the operation is to get rid of those incarcerated in Oklahoma facilities who are in the country illegally.

“The Oklahoma taxpayer should not foot the bill for President Biden’s open border policies,” Governor Stitt said in a press release sent to 7News. “As law and order returns to the White House, Oklahoma will lead the charge with a comprehensive plan to deport those who committed crimes in Oklahoma while in the country illegally.”

Commissioner Tipton will consult with state, county and local law enforcement as well as the Department of Corrections (ODOC) to create a plan on how to deal with “illegal immigrants who have committed crimes in our state “.

“The safety of every Oklahoman is my top priority. We need a concrete approach to ensure that criminals who are here illegally do not harm Oklahomans,” Commissioner Tipton said. “Right now, Oklahoma taxpayers are paying to keep illegal immigrants incarcerated because the Biden administration refused to enforce the law. This must stop now. I look forward to working with law enforcement across the state as well as the Department of Corrections to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for crimes committed by illegal immigrants.

This plan will be presented to the Governor no later than January 15, 2025. Tipton will also correspond with the Trump transition team and the new Director of Homeland Security to implement said plan during Trump’s inauguration.

Currently, more than 500 illegal immigrants are housed in ODOC facilities “for criminal activities unrelated to their illegal presence in the United States,” according to government officials.

This costs Oklahoma taxpayers approximately $36,000 per day, according to the release.

“I am still committed to finding ways to obtain in-state work visas for those who want to pursue the American dream, but we will not tolerate any criminal activity in our state. I am grateful to Commissioner Tipton and his willingness to develop a plan for Oklahoma that can also serve as a model for other states,” said Governor Stitt.

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