Recent reports detail actions taken by the U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in conjunction with state law enforcement, focusing on illegal immigrant truck drivers. The aim of these operations is to enhance public safety on American highways, particularly following a fatal accident involving an illegal driver.
1. High-Profile Arrests:
• An illegal immigrant, identified as Anmol Anmol, was arrested in Oklahoma while operating a truck, holding a New York commercial driver’s license with the name "NO NAME GIVEN".
• Anmol entered the U. S. in 2023 and was initially released under the Biden administration.
2. Concerns Over Licensing:
• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) noted the issuance of commercial driver’s licenses to individuals who are not verified to be U. S. citizens raises serious safety concerns.
• Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of DHS, criticized New York for potentially jeopardizing public safety by issuing licenses without proper name verification.
3. Oklahoma Operation:
• This arrest was part of a three-day operation across Oklahoma targeting illegal immigrants posing a public safety risk. Around 120 individuals were arrested, many of whom operated vehicles without adequate verification from sanctuary states that allow issuing licenses to applicants regardless of immigration status.
4. Previous Incidents:
• The operations are heightened in the wake of a tragic incident involving Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant from India, who caused a fatal crash in Florida while holding a California CDL despite failing an English proficiency test.
5. Diverse Backgrounds of Arrestees:
• Those arrested during the Oklahoma operation included individuals from various countries with criminal backgrounds, including charges ranging from DUI and money laundering to human smuggling and drug offenses.
6. Government Reactions:
• Oklahoma Republican Governor Kevin Stitt remarked that New York’s licensing practices are a matter for their own laws and emphasized enforcement in Oklahoma.
• McLaughlin called for stricter standards in issuing such licenses, advocating for more engagement with the 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to work with ICE.
The recent ICE operations highlight ongoing concerns about illegal immigrants operating commercial vehicles in the U. S. Despite pushes for safety, debates continue around the legality and safety of issuing commercial driver’s licenses, particularly to individuals lacking verified legal status. The push for stricter licensing standards and cooperation between federal and local agencies aims to enhance the safety of American roadways.
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