As ICE readies ‘Swamp Sweep,’ Mississippi pledges to aid — not block — federal crackdown
In a bold move, Mississippi’s top law enforcement officer, Attorney General Lynn Fitch, has expressed strong support for the upcoming “Swamp Sweep” operation, which will see the deployment of 250 border agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to Mississippi and Louisiana. This initiative aims to crack down on illegal immigration and enhance community safety by targeting criminal illegal immigrants. Fitch’s office has been proactive, being the first in the state to partner formally with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), demonstrating a commitment to combatting human trafficking, drug cartels, and violent crime. She emphasized the collaboration with federal authorities, stating, “Together, we will make Mississippi – and our entire nation – safer than ever before.”
The operation, which is set to last for two months, has garnered support from other Mississippi officials, including U.S. Rep. Michael Guest, who chairs the House Homeland Security Subcommittee for Border Security and Enforcement. Guest highlighted the importance of ICE’s role in removing unlawfully present individuals who have been charged or convicted of serious crimes, thereby protecting local communities. He expressed confidence that “Operation Swamp Sweep” would mirror the success of previous ICE operations across the nation, which have faced significant challenges in states like California and Illinois, where local officials have actively resisted federal enforcement efforts. In contrast, Mississippi’s leadership appears eager to cooperate with ICE, showcasing a stark difference in attitudes towards immigration enforcement between states.
While details about the operation remain somewhat limited, the anticipation surrounding it reflects a broader national conversation about immigration and law enforcement. Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin noted that the agency does not typically disclose specifics about future operations. However, the proactive stance taken by Mississippi officials signals a willingness to embrace federal assistance in addressing illegal immigration and crime, positioning the state as a notable player in the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States. As the “Swamp Sweep” unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on communities and the broader implications for immigration enforcement nationwide.
EXCLUSIVE
: Mississippi’s top
law enforcement
officer said the Magnolia State will welcome ICE agents with open arms compared to their clashes with public officials in California, Illinois and North Carolina – as reports surfaced of an upcoming “Swamp Sweep.”
The Department of Homeland Security is preparing to send 250 border agents to areas in Mississippi and Louisiana for a two-month crackdown, according to documents obtained by the Associated Press.
Mississippi Attorney General
Lynn Fitch told Fox News Digital on Thursday that her office is proud to have been the first in the state to sign on as a formal ICE law enforcement partner.
“We look forward to working with Secretary Noem and the president to protect our communities and strengthen our efforts to combat human trafficking, drug cartels, and violent crime,” Fitch said.
ALABAMA CONDUCTS FIRST STATE-FEDERAL CHECKPOINT OPERATIONS WITH ICE, DETAINING OVER 20 PEOPLE
“Together, we will make Mississippi – and our entire nation – safer than ever before.”
Another top Mississippi official, U.S. Rep. Michael Guest, chairs the House Homeland Security Subcommittee for Border Security and Enforcement.
Guest’s district runs close to
New Orleans
, spanning diagonally from Starkville – home of
Mississippi State University
– down to McComb, just north of the New Orleans metro, where the operation will reportedly have a key focus.
DHS ‘BLITZES’ CHICAGOLAND, NETTING ‘MANY ARRESTS’ AS NOEM ONSITE FOR IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN
“The men and women of
ICE and CBP
have been tasked with enforcing the law and working to remove the 15 million
illegal immigrants
currently residing in the United States,” Guest told Fox News Digital.
Guest praised ICE for successfully removing unlawfully present people charged and convicted of serious crimes, including offenses against children and suspects who pose a danger to local communities.
“I am confident that Operation ‘Swamp Sweep’ will have the same success as other operations across our nation,” Guest said.
250 BORDER AGENTS TO DEPLOY TO LOUISIANA FOR ‘SWAMP SWEEP,’ REPORT SAYS
“This will result in locating, arresting, and deporting criminal illegal aliens who are
residing in Mississippi
.”
Rep. Trent Kelly, R-Miss. – who represents Memphis’ southern suburbs as well as Elvis Presley’s hometown of Tupelo – told Fox News Digital he also supports ICE’s mission.
“I am in favor of getting any criminal illegal immigrant off the streets,” Kelly said.
DHS ARRESTS CHICAGO’S ‘WORST OF THE WORST’ AMID SURGE IN DOMESTIC TERROR ATTACKS
“And I support law enforcement in their efforts to keep our communities safe.”
When asked about the “Swamp Sweep” mission, Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said her agency does not discuss future or potential operations.
“Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country,” she said.
In prior ICE operations, DHS was buffeted by official and legal roadblocks tossed in their way by local leaders.
California officials condemned President Donald Trump’s use of the National Guard, while Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson reportedly conceived “No ICE” zones and compared Trump’s government to the Confederacy.
Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves did not respond to requests for comment on “Swamp Sweep.”
Fox News Digital also reached out to Mississippi’s most prominent Democrat and Trump critic, Rep. Bennie Thompson of Hinds County, but he did not respond to a request for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Rachel Wolf and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
