Reeves’ directive to DPS following Title 42 expiration

Gov. Tate Reeves has announced that he directed the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) to maintain and increase interaction with law enforcement officers at ports, in sensitive trafficking areas, and across the state as a result of Title 42’s expiration.

“As the federal government’s Title 42 order recently expired, with no meaningful preparation by the Biden administration to adequately prepare for large numbers of individuals from around the world seeking to illegally enter into the United States, it is imperative that Mississippi law enforcement is prepared,” said Gov. Reeves. “What happens at the border doesn’t stay there. Drugs and people are trafficked to every state in the nation – including Mississippi. It is a national security and humanitarian problem, and we must stand with those trying to secure our borders.”

In the letter, Gov. Reeves directs DPS to maintain and increase their interaction with local law enforcement, especially those who work interstate highways, ports, and commercial airports.

He instructed DPS to direct law enforcement partners to report activity related to the transport of illegal immigrants as well as drug and human trafficking related to illegal border crossings.

The action comes amidst unprecedented challenges at the border as illegal immigrants and narcotics continue to stream across and make their way into the United States.

Gov. Reeves’ letter can be read in full here.