In Oklahoma, immigrant communities are living in fear. The state’s latest “Operation Guardian” sting resulted in the detention of 70 undocumented people in just one day. Some were pulled over for minor infractions. Others may have been targeted simply because they didn’t speak English. And now, public officials are bragging about expanding this program statewide.

This isn’t public safety, it’s profiling. It’s punishing people for working hard, raising families, and trying to survive. Oklahoma is turning its highways into checkpoints, where speaking Spanish or lacking an American accent can get you detained or deported.

One person had an Interpol warrant—but 69 others didn’t. Are we really okay with arresting dozens of people to find one? Families are being torn apart while politicians hold press conferences about it.

We call on Governor Kevin Stitt and Commissioner Tim Tipton to immediately end Operation Guardian and stop using Oklahoma law enforcement as an extension of ICE.

These tactics don’t make us safer. They punish essential workers and everyday people. They cause fear and mistrust in immigrant communities, making people less likely to report crimes or seek help when needed.

Oklahoma should not be known as the state that terrorizes immigrants. We should be focused on real safety solutions, not political stunts that target vulnerable people on our highways.

Our families and neighbors deserve better. Let’s stop Operation Guardian before it grows even more dangerous.

Photo: KHBS