Stefanik Criticizes Hochul’s Immigration Policies After Fatal Crash
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) expressed concern over what she calls “dangerous” immigration policies by Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, claiming they are creating issues beyond New York’s borders. This statement follows a tragic incident in Indiana involving a truck driver who was undocumented, yet held a commercial license issued in New York.
Goderj Gujabidze, a 56-year-old from Brooklyn, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 65 in Boone County, Indiana, on November 14. The crash resulted in the death of 23-year-old Terry Frye, a member of the Indiana National Guard.
Authorities mentioned that a language barrier prompted Gujabidze to be transported to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office for communication assistance. ICE subsequently informed the local law enforcement that Gujabidze had been placed on hold for immigration reasons.
The specific details surrounding the crash and the circumstances leading to Frye’s death remain under investigation.
Gujabidze, who reportedly drove a “motor transport truck,” acquired his commercial driver’s license in New York in 2022, despite not having an established address there. He had crossed the southern border through San Luis, Arizona, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which also labeled him an “illegal alien.”
Documentation shows his license, set to be issued in December 2023 and expiring in March 2027, raised additional concerns regarding his ability to drive legally.
Stefanik criticized Hochul, asserting that her policies allow illegal immigrants, possibly lacking basic English skills, to operate vehicles on New York roads. She emphasized that Gujabidze should never have been behind the wheel of a heavy truck.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration filed a lawsuit against Hochul concerning New York City’s “green light law,” which permits licensing without regard to immigration status. However, the New York State Department of Transportation maintains that individuals cannot apply for a commercial license under this regulation.
It’s unclear if Gujabidze obtained a CDL from another state, but receiving a New York license would still require an application process. Stefanik asserted that Hochul’s policies not only endanger New Yorkers but also affect families across the nation, citing recent Border Patrol arrests of 30 individuals with commercial driver’s licenses along a nearby interstate.
This operation, referred to as “Operation Bear Cave,” led to 37 arrests, with many suspects having state-issued commercial driver’s licenses, including those from New York. Stefanik raised serious questions about how these individuals could legally drive trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds, attributing the situation to Hochul’s immigration policies.
Efforts have been made to reach out to Hochul, DHS, and ICE for their perspectives on this issue.
