Mississippi welcomes ICE agents for immigration operation ‘Swamp Sweep’

EXCLUSIVE: Mississippi’s top law enforcement official says the Magnolia State will welcome ICE agents with open arms over their clashes with officials in California, Illinois and North Carolina — amid reports of an upcoming “swamp sweep.”

The Department of Homeland Security is preparing to send 250 border agents to the Mississippi and Louisiana areas 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 up as an official law enforcement partner of ICE.

“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 CONDUCT FIRST STATE-FEDERAL CHECKPOINT OPERATIONS WITH ICE, DETENTING MORE THAN 20 PEOPLE

Immigration agents travel through North Carolina. (Ryan Murphy/Getty Images)

“Together, we will make Mississippi – and our entire nation – safer than ever.”

Another top Mississippi official, U.S. Rep. Michael Guest, chairs the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.

Guest’s neighborhood extends close to New Orleans, stretching diagonally from Starkville — home of Mississippi State University — to McComb, just north of metro New Orleans, where the operation would have a key focus.

DHS ‘BLITZ’ IN CHICAGOLAND, RESULTING IN ‘NUMEROUS ARRESTS’ WHILE NOEM ON-SITE FOR IMMIGRATION CRACKUP

“The men and women of ICE and CBP have been tasked with enforcing the law and working to deport the 15 million illegal immigrants currently residing in the United States,” Guest told Fox News Digital.

Guest commended ICE for successfully removing those present illegally, accused 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 be as successful as other operations across our country,” Guest said.

250 BORDER AGENTS TO DEPLOY IN LOUISIANA FOR “SWAMP SWEEPING,” REPORT SAYS

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch speaks to fairgoers in Philadelphia, Mississippi. (Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger via IMAGN)

“This will result in the location, apprehension and deportation of criminal illegal aliens who reside in Mississippi.”

Rep. Trent Kelly, R-Miss. — who represents the south Memphis suburbs as well as Elvis Presley’s hometown of Tupelo — told Fox News Digital that he also supports ICE’s mission.

“I support taking illegal immigrants and criminals off the streets,” Kelly said.

DHS ARRESTS CHICAGO’S ‘WORST OF THE WORST’ AMID RISE IN DOMESTIC TERRORIST ATTACKS

“And I support law enforcement in their efforts to keep our communities safe.”

Asked about the “Swamp Sweep” mission, DHS Deputy Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said her agency does not discuss future or potential operations.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., walks through the Capitol. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

“Every day, DHS enforces the nation’s laws across the country,” she said.

In past ICE operations, DHS has been buffeted by official and legal obstacles thrown in its path by local leaders.

California officials have condemned President Donald Trump’s use of the National Guard, while Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has reportedly designed “ice-free” zones and compared Trump’s administration to the Confederacy.

Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves did not respond to requests for comment on “Swamp Sweep.”

Fox News Digital also contacted Mississippi’s most prominent Democrat and Trump critic, Rep. Bennie Thompson of Hinds County, but he did not respond to a request for comment.

Rachel Wolf of Fox News Digital and the Associated Press contributed to this report.