Oklahoma ICE sting busts 34 illegal alien truck drivers, others with rap sheets
An immigration enforcement operation in Oklahoma led to the arrests of 34 illegal alien truck drivers, part of a larger sweep that apprehended 70 individuals. This initiative, named Operation Guardian, is a response to rising concerns about road safety and national security, particularly following fatal accidents involving illegal drivers. Officials highlighted that many of those detained lacked necessary English proficiency and were illegally issued commercial driver's licenses from various states. The operation, a collaboration between ICE and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, aims to enhance public safety amidst ongoing debates regarding immigration policies in the state. Moving forward, authorities emphasize continued enforcement of legal standards for commercial drivers to ensure safety on highways.
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Operation Guardian, conducted in late October, involved a two-day sweep along the I-40 corridor and resulted in a total of 70 arrests, including truck drivers and others without valid documentation.
Of the detained, 26 had Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs), while eight were operating commercial vehicles without valid licenses, raising safety concerns among officials.
ICE's Marcos Charles pointed out that many drivers arrested were not compliant with the English proficiency requirements necessary to operate commercial vehicles legally in Oklahoma.
The operation's context is heightened by recent fatal crashes involving illegal alien truck drivers, contributing to public fears about safety and regulatory enforcement.
Oklahoma's Department of Public Safety reported that these illegal licenses were issued by multiple states, including California, Illinois, and New Jersey, indicating a systemic issue with licensing practices.
A previous enforcement operation in September led to the arrest of 120 illegal aliens, with 91 identified as operating commercial vehicles, highlighting an ongoing trend in illegal trucking operations.
Governor Kevin Stitt reaffirmed the state's commitment to enforce commonsense standards for commercial drivers, emphasizing legal residency and English comprehension as essential requirements.