FORD COUNTY—Law enforcement this week confirmed that federal immigration enforcement personnel are operating in Dodge City and other areas of southwest Kansas. There are also reports of ICE agents in Great Bend.
Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall responded to the news. Moran wrote, "I am hearing from Kansans about the increased federal law enforcement presence in southwest Kansas as ICE agents carry out warrants in the area. I visited with Secretary Mullin, stressing the importance of DHS working with our local law enforcement to safely execute these warrants.
Secretary Mullin assured me these warrants are only for the purpose of arresting individuals who have been charged with criminal activities. I will remain engaged with federal and local authorities and community leaders."
Marshall wrote on social media, "When ICE operates in Kansas, it needs to coordinate with our local law enforcement. Our sheriffs and police know these communities better than anyone, and working together keeps officers and residents safe."
"I’m closely following what’s happening in SW Kansas and have been in direct contact with Secretary Mullin and local law enforcement as ICE executes warrants in order to keep Kansans safe."
In a joint statement released Wednesday, governing bodies and municipal law enforcement from Liberal, Garden City and Dodge City said they received no advance warning of the operations, learning of the federal enforcement only after agents became visible in neighborhoods.
“Local officials do not have operational information regarding these federal enforcement activities and do not have authority or control over their operations."