Operation Guardian: Oklahoma Continues Its Offensive to Strengthen Public Safety

Source: Oklahoma Highway Patrol

Operation Guardian continues to reinforce safety and security for all Oklahomans. On Monday, November 17, 2025, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) conducted a 12-hour special emphasis operation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) aimed at disrupting criminal activity and public safety threats along State Highway 69 in Bryan County.

During the operation, troopers took 76 illegal aliens into custody for immigration violations. In addition to hundreds of passenger-vehicle contacts, OHP conducted 160 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspections. Among the CMV drivers inspected, seven legal aliens were cited for failing to meet the national English-language proficiency standard required for commercial motor vehicle operators.

The emphasis operation also led to major seizures. Two individuals were arrested just north of the Texas border while transporting 160 pounds of marijuana, as well as a firearm and body armor. Additionally, nine of the individuals apprehended are expected to face further felony charges. Those detained during this operation have prior criminal histories including drug possession, DUI, hit-and-run, property theft, soliciting prostitution, disorderly conduct, and illegal entry into the United States.

Authorities point out that these arrests reflect broader security concerns. On the day of the 2024 Presidential Election, two Afghan nationals allegedly planned an ISIS-inspired attack on Oklahoma polling places. On March 3, 2025, OHP arrested an individual with cartel ties who was transporting over two pounds of fentanyl — enough to kill 500,000 Oklahomans. Earlier this month, OHP, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, and the ATF arrested a Mexican national accused of trafficking 75 firearms and ammunition from Tulsa. Just last week in Muskogee, OHP apprehended another individual with admitted MS-13 ties.

Under the leadership of Governor Kevin Stitt and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton, OHP has become a national leader in the apprehension of criminal illegal aliens. All OHP troopers are credentialed by ICE to enforce immigration laws. In the past two months alone, approximately 500 criminal illegal aliens have been apprehended, many with serious criminal histories including child sexual abuse, vehicular homicide, money laundering, human smuggling, domestic assault, and burglary.

Operation Guardian continues to underscore Oklahoma’s proactive commitment to combating criminal threats and protecting public safety.