More than 50 demonstrators gather outside Highway Patrol headquarters, criticizing the state’s partnership with ICE.
OKLAHOMA CITY — More than 50 protesters gathered outside Oklahoma Highway Patrol headquarters Wednesday to criticize Oklahoma’s partnership with federal immigration authorities, drawing attention to the state’s role in immigration enforcement ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.
The demonstration came days after President Donald Trump nominated former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Lance Schroyer to serve as director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Protest organizers said the nomination underscored Oklahoma’s ties to the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts.
While relatively small, the rally highlighted Oklahoma’s participation in Operation Guardian, a cooperative program between the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety and ICE.
Under the program, specially trained Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers assist federal immigration authorities by identifying, detaining and transporting people suspected of violating federal immigration laws.
Supporters of the partnership say it strengthens public safety by allowing state and federal agencies to work together to apprehend people in the country illegally who are accused of committing crimes or otherwise pose a public safety threat.
Protest organizers argued the program diverts state law enforcement resources from their primary mission of protecting Oklahoma highways and communities while damaging trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. During the rally, speakers also questioned whether state troopers should be involved in federal immigration enforcement.
The protest also reflected broader opposition among immigrant rights advocates to the Trump administration’s immigration policies as Independence Day approaches.
Schroyer’s nomination has drawn additional attention to Oklahoma’s role in immigration enforcement. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, he would lead the federal agency responsible for enforcing the nation’s immigration laws.
Read the original protest coverage at The Oklahoman.
