
A recent enforcement operation has revealed a shocking number of illegal immigrants driving commercial vehicles on American highways, raising serious safety and licensing concerns.
Story Highlights
- 120 illegal immigrants detained in Oklahoma, 91 with commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).
- CDLs issued by states with permissive licensing policies like California and New York.
- Operation underscores the need for state-federal cooperation in immigration enforcement.
- Increased scrutiny on state DMVs and potential policy changes in CDL issuance.
Major Enforcement Operation on I-40
Between September 22 and 25, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) executed a significant enforcement operation on Interstate 40. This effort led to the detention of 120 individuals for immigration violations, with 91 identified as operating commercial vehicles with commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). These licenses, often issued by states like California, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, added a concerning layer to the operation’s findings.
The operation, which focused on public safety, highlighted the risks posed by undocumented immigrants driving heavy commercial vehicles, many of whom had CDLs from “sanctuary” states. The collaboration between federal and state agencies under this new policy framework is a direct response to the growing public safety concerns stemming from previous incidents involving undocumented drivers.
State-Federal Cooperation and Licensing Scrutiny
This operation exemplifies the critical need for cooperation between state and federal agencies. Oklahoma’s partnership with ICE follows a series of high-profile incidents involving undocumented drivers that raised public safety alarms. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and the state’s Department of Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton have been vocal about the necessity for such joint efforts to ensure the safety of our highways.
Furthermore, this operation has put a spotlight on the licensing practices of state DMVs, especially in states with more permissive policies for undocumented immigrants. The issuance of CDLs to individuals who pose a safety threat underscores the need for a nationwide review and potential tightening of CDL issuance policies to prevent future risks.
Impact and Ongoing Developments
The immediate impact of the operation is clear: 120 individuals are no longer posing a threat on Oklahoma highways. In the long term, the operation ignites discussions on policy changes concerning CDL issuance and fosters more robust state-federal enforcement cooperation. While ICE and OHP have signaled their intent to continue similar operations, this has also sparked potential legal challenges from civil rights groups, adding complexity to the situation.
As legal proceedings for the detainees continue, and investigations into the legitimacy of the involved CDLs unfold, the trucking industry and immigrant communities face heightened scrutiny and uncertainty. In response, states may reconsider their licensing practices, possibly leading to stricter regulations to safeguard public safety.
Sources:
Fox News: Oklahoma Troopers & ICE Detain 120 Illegal Immigrants
Overdrive Online: ICE and the OK I-40 Raid
Fox News: Blue State Hot Seat After ICE Busts
KOSU: Oklahoma Troopers Arrest Over 100 in 3-Day Immigration Blitz