Traffic Operation in Oklahoma Leads to Mass Arrests

A recent traffic enforcement initiative along Interstate 40 in western Oklahoma resulted in the apprehension of 120 individuals for immigration violations. Notably, 91 of these were operating commercial vehicles, raising concerns regarding the safety risks associated with unlicensed or unauthorized drivers on U.S. highways. This three-day effort by ICE and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was designed to target criminal activities and enhance road safety through increased patrols and background checks.

During this enforcement operation in late September, officers from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and ICE conducted around 520 interactions. As a result, they arrested 120 undocumented immigrants, including the 91 who were commercial drivers. This information was disclosed by ICE to Breitbart Texas.

This week, Transport Secretary Sean Duffy spoke about the findings of an extensive investigation regarding the effects of undocumented drivers. He pointed out, as noted by American Truckers United on social media, that foreign truck drivers lacking proficiency in English pose a significant security risk to the public.

On Tuesday, following a report from the Department of Transportation, the president of the Oklahoma Trucking Association resigned after a board meeting, which seemed to address the recent activities of ICE and the Highway Patrol.

American Truckers United referred to the situation as an ongoing issue involving the American Truck Drivers Association.

According to federal officials, Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers worked in collaboration with ICE under the 287(g) program. ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheehan mentioned the importance of cooperation between federal and local law enforcement to enhance public safety. Sheehan emphasized that illegal immigrants should not be behind the wheel of large trucks, and urged for more partnerships with local agencies to eliminate safety threats.

Among the 120 individuals arrested, several had prior convictions for various offenses including:

• Multiple DUIs
• Illegal re-entry to the United States
• Money laundering
• Human smuggling
• Assault
• Conspiracy to distribute cocaine
• Possession of dangerous goods

Of the 91 commercial drivers detained, 80 had entered the U.S. illegally and were either seeking asylum or involved in immigration proceedings. The arrested drivers came from various countries, which included:

• 1 from Belarus
• 12 from China
• 6 from Georgia
• 39 from India
• 1 from Kazakhstan
• 2 from Kyrgyzstan
• 1 from Mauritania
• 1 from Montenegro
• 2 from Pakistan
• 4 from Russia
• 3 from Tajikistan
• 3 from Turkiye
• 2 from Ukraine
• 13 from Uzbekistan
• 1 from Venezuela

ICE reported that certain states issued Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) to foreign nationals. These states included:

Secretary Duffy described the findings as alarming, stating that illegal licenses have been issued to dangerous foreign drivers, which threatens public safety. He declared he would not accept this situation and that immediate action would be taken to prevent unsafe drivers from renewing their licenses. Duffy criticized California for issuing CDLs without adequate scrutiny.

He demanded that states revoke improperly issued licenses within 30 days or risk losing federal highway funds, with California facing an initial penalty of about $160 million, which would double in the following year.