What ICE Found on Oklahoma’s Highways Should Alarm Every Driver

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – A collaborative operation between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) that took place in late October resulted in dozens of illegal aliens being arrested. Of particular note, the Oklahoma operation also resulted in over 30 illegal alien commercial truck drivers being taken off the road.

Given the heightened scrutiny surrounding CDLs being issued to illegal aliens following fatal truck crashes across the country in recent months, ICE has been working alongside various state and local law enforcement agencies to expedite the removal of these dangerous drivers. Between October 28th and 29th, ICE and OHP conducted what was dubbed as a “special emphasis operation” along Oklahoma’s stretches of highway, totaling in 70 arrests of illegal aliens.

According to ICE, out of the 70 illegal aliens apprehended over the two-day operation with OHP, 34 of the individuals were found to be operating a commercial vehicle which is apparently a criminal offense in the state of Oklahoma.

Out of the 34 illegal aliens found operating a commercial vehicle, only 26 of them had apparently obtained a CDL out of various sanctuary states. As for the remaining 8 illegal alien truckers apprehended, they were reportedly a bit more flagrant and were caught driving without an issued CDL.

The late October endeavor between ICE and OHP wasn’t the first of its kind, as the two agencies collaborated this past September in a similar operation where over 100 illegal aliens were apprehended – with 91 of those arrestees also being caught driving commercial vehicles.  ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Executive Associate Director Marcos Charles highlighted the now-second successful collaborative effort with OHP in a statement, pointing to the dangers surrounding illegal alien truck drivers.

“For the second time in just the past month, the state of Oklahoma and ICE have banded together to bolster public safety along Oklahoma’s highways,” Director Charles stated, adding, “identifying and apprehending illegal aliens who are in the country illegally and have been recklessly issued a commercial driver’s license by states like California, Illinois, and New Jersey.”

Director Charles emphasized the reality surrounding the sorts of illegal aliens operating big rigs all over the country, saying, “Many of the illegal aliens arrested behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound tractor trailer can’t even read basic English, endangering everyone they encounter on the roads.”

Governor Kevin Stitt also commented on the successful operation, making mention of the state law which requires all commercial drivers – even those just passing through – to be legally residing within the United States.

“Operation Guardian continues to successfully keep Oklahomans safe. To lawfully operate a commercial motor vehicle in Oklahoma, you must be here legally, and you must be able to understand English,” Governor Stitt stated, adding, “These are common sense standards that we will continue to enforce.”