Mississippi to Support ICE’s ‘Swamp Sweep’ Immigration Operation Targeting Criminal Aliens

JACKSON, Miss. — November 21, 2025 — Mississippi officials have pledged cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as the agency prepares to launch “Operation Swamp Sweep,” a two-month immigration enforcement initiative deploying 250 border agents to Mississippi and Louisiana. The operation is focused on identifying and apprehending undocumented immigrants with criminal records, according to authorities.

The initiative marks a significant federal effort to intensify immigration enforcement in the Gulf Coast region. ICE officials said the operation will concentrate on locating individuals who have been convicted of crimes and are residing unlawfully in the United States. The deployment includes agents from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) unit, who will work in coordination with local law enforcement and state officials.

Mississippi’s state government has indicated it will assist rather than obstruct the federal crackdown. State leaders emphasized their commitment to supporting federal immigration enforcement efforts, distinguishing Mississippi’s approach from other states that have resisted or limited cooperation with ICE operations.

“Mississippi is prepared to work alongside federal authorities to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law,” officials said in a statement. The cooperation is expected to facilitate the identification and removal of individuals who pose a threat to communities due to their criminal histories.

Operation Swamp Sweep will run for approximately two months, with agents conducting targeted enforcement actions in areas identified as having higher concentrations of undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions. The operation is part of a broader national strategy by ICE to focus resources on apprehending individuals who have violated immigration laws and have criminal backgrounds.

The deployment of 250 border agents to Mississippi and Louisiana represents a substantial increase in federal immigration enforcement presence in the region. Local law enforcement agencies have been notified and are expected to coordinate with ICE during the operation, although the level of involvement may vary by jurisdiction.

While some states have enacted policies to limit cooperation with ICE, Mississippi’s stance reflects a willingness to collaborate with federal authorities. This approach aligns with the state’s broader public safety objectives and its desire to address concerns related to criminal activity among undocumented immigrants.

The operation has raised questions about the impact on immigrant communities in the affected areas. Advocates for immigrant rights have expressed concerns about potential disruptions and the risk of detaining individuals without criminal records. However, ICE officials have maintained that the focus remains on criminal aliens and that enforcement actions will be conducted in accordance with federal guidelines.

ICE has not released detailed information about specific locations or targets within Mississippi and Louisiana, citing operational security. Authorities have encouraged community members to report criminal activity but have also urged respect for legal processes and civil rights.

Operation Swamp Sweep reflects the ongoing federal emphasis on prioritizing immigration enforcement against individuals with criminal convictions amid broader debates over immigration policy. The cooperation pledged by Mississippi officials underscores the varying approaches states are taking toward federal immigration initiatives.

As the operation proceeds, officials have indicated they will monitor outcomes and adjust tactics as necessary to achieve enforcement goals while minimizing unintended consequences for immigrant communities and local residents.