Department of Homeland Security Celebrates Legislative Progress
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is marking a significant step forward with a federal bill designed to enhance trucking safety. On Wednesday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee gave its approval to what’s called Dalila’s Law.
This legislation aims to restrict the issuance of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to illegal immigrants, allowing them only for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain work visa holders. It also mandates the cancellation of any currently held ineligible CDLs.
Furthermore, the bill insists that all exams and recertifications must be conducted in English. States that fail to comply with these regulations might face penalties in the form of reduced federal highway funds.
The name “Dalila’s Law” is a tribute to Dalila Coleman, a young girl severely injured in a tragic accident when she was five years old, involving an illegal immigrant truck driver in California back in 2024.
The driver, Partap Singh, had been granted a CDL by the California Department of Land Transportation. He was subsequently arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in August.
Initially, DHS expressed its support for the legislation in February and later celebrated the committee’s approval in March.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem expressed gratitude, stating how important it was that House Republicans advanced Dalila’s Act. She reflected on Dalila Coleman’s experience, emphasizing that it was a tragedy that could have been avoided if California hadn’t issued a commercial driver’s license to someone who was unlawfully in the country. Under President Trump’s guidance, efforts have been made to seek justice for families affected by crimes involving illegal immigrants.
In September, an operation conducted by ICE and Oklahoma law enforcement on Interstate 40 led to the arrest of 91 illegal alien truck drivers.
In another significant case, an illegal immigrant from India, named Anmol, was apprehended with a CDL that lacked proper identification. Additionally, more illegal drivers have been arrested as a result of ongoing operations. For instance, Akhror Bozorov from Uzbekistan, was taken into custody as he was wanted for terrorism-related offenses in his home country.
