Unidentified migrant truck driver with a New York ID arrested in Oklahoma

Truck Driver Arrested in Oklahoma

A truck driver from New York, who hasn’t been named publicly, was arrested in Oklahoma and has been identified as an Indian immigrant who entered the U.S. illegally in 2023.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that Anmol was taken into custody by ICE agents last month after being stopped by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol during a standard inspection at a truck scale on Interstate 40.

When stopped, Anmol presented a New York-issued driver’s license that, oddly, listed “No Name Given” as his first and middle names.

DHS noted that Anmol had arrived in the United States illegally in 2023 but was released by the Biden administration afterward. Following his arrest, he began undergoing the release process.

The New York State Department of Transportation confirmed that the license, issued on April 14 and valid until May 26, 2028, is legitimate. This license had a “Class A” designation, allowing him to operate large vehicles, and indicated he was from Richmond Hill.

Interestingly, the upper right corner of the document shows that it’s a REAL ID, which enables the holder to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities without a passport.

DHS officials criticized New York for allegedly issuing commercial driver’s licenses to individuals without legal status.

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of DHS, stated that allowing undocumented immigrants to have commercial licenses for driving large trucks is reckless and threatens public safety. She praised a collaborative effort with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol that led to Anmol’s arrest, adding that he no longer poses a danger to other drivers.

During a three-day operation, authorities in Oklahoma arrested 125 undocumented immigrants on major highways.

McLaughlin also expressed concerns that New York doesn’t properly verify the citizenship status of applicants for commercial driver’s licenses, nor does it secure the legal names of those receiving them. She mentioned that DHS is working alongside state and local partners to remove undocumented truck drivers from the roads.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt criticized New York’s governor for issuing licenses like Anmol’s, stating that it’s up to New York to manage its licensing but that individuals must still follow Oklahoma’s laws once they arrive in the state.

Stitt commended the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for their efforts, highlighting that their actions are crucial for the safety of Oklahoma residents.

This arrest follows an earlier incident involving another undocumented immigrant from India, Harjinder Singh, who allegedly caused a fatal accident while driving an 18-wheeler in Florida, resulting in three deaths.