Oklahoma is taking bold steps to assist President-elect Donald Trump's immigration policies by implementing a state-led initiative to deport illegal immigrants currently held in its prison system.

This initiative, dubbed Operation Guardian, seeks to expedite the deportation of over 500 illegal immigrants convicted of crimes, in alignment with Trump's mass deportation plans set to commence in January 2025, as the Washington Examiner reports.

This new measure was announced by Gov. Kevin Stitt, who detailed the state's intention to hand these individuals over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before they complete their sentences.

At present, Oklahoma prisons are housing 526 criminal illegal immigrants, with a daily cost amounting to $36,000 for their upkeep.

Aligning With Federal Deportation Policies

Stitt is emphasizing collaboration with Trump's administration, stating the program aims to collaborate seamlessly with the president-elect's broader immigration strategy. "We want to be the first state that works with President Trump," Stitt said, underscoring Oklahoma's willingness to be a leader in this effort.

Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton will take the reins of Operation Guardian. The program plans to involve both local and state police agencies in the process of transferring these incarcerated foreigners to federal authorities.

As Tipton explained, this is a response to what he perceives as an open border policy that has led to increased criminal activity within the state.

Concerns Over Impact on Crime Survivors

Operation Guardian is not without its critics. Naida Henao from the Network for Victim Recovery of DC has voiced concerns that the program might leave crime victims feeling vulnerable.

Henao pointed out the uncertainty victims face when offenders are deported since their location becomes unknown once they leave the prison system.

While Gov. Stitt asserts that the deportation of these individuals is beneficial for Oklahomans and American citizens alike, Henao argued that for survivors of crime, knowing the current location of an incarcerated offender provides a sense of security.

Potential Cost Savings for Oklahoma

In addition to aligning with federal immigration policy, significant financial incentives are driving Oklahoma's initiative. By removing these individuals from the state's prison system, Oklahoma stands to save more than $1 million every month. According to Stitt, removing these inmates and turning them over to ICE aligns with what he believes to be the preferences of state and national residents concerning immigration enforcement.

Stitt remained confident in the federal system's efficiency, explaining that while the state does not seek additional ICE agents, they are relying on federal authorities to "do the right thing and deport them," once these individuals are handed over.

Future Implications for Other States

If successful, Operation Guardian might serve as a prototype for similar programs in other states. This potential replication across the country may bolster Trump's overall immigration agenda, with Oklahoma leading the charge. However, there remain concerns about ICE's capacity to manage and detain all 526 individuals during the deportation process.

Each deportation under this program involves returning individuals to their home countries while conclusively closing the cases at the state level. This approach, Gov. Stitt argues, is a practical and necessary step.

Complexities and Concerns Over Deportations

The complexities of Operation Guardian will require concerted effort and communication between state and federal authorities. The collaboration is intended to ensure a smooth transfer process amid the logistical challenges of deporting a large group efficiently.

While there is optimism about potential positive impacts, widespread ramifications are still to be seen. Stakeholders will closely monitor the effectiveness of the program and its implications for immigration policy both in Oklahoma and beyond.

Operation Guardian's implementation foregrounds critical conversations surrounding the deportation of criminal offenders and its wider effects on communities. Balancing public safety, legal principles, and humane treatment of individuals remains a pivotal challenge. As Oklahoma takes significant steps toward its goal of assisting federal immigration enforcement, the outcomes may provide vital insights into future immigration approaches nationwide.

With its formal launch, this initiative represents a significant shift in how Oklahoma addresses illegal immigration among convicted criminals, marking the state's proactive role in shaping national discourse on immigration policy.