In a striking reaction to an escalation in arrest rates for undocumented immigrants wielding commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) from Democratic states, ICE Director Todd Lyons made some notable remarks last Friday.
As previously reported by The Gateway Pundit, a significant operation conducted in Oklahoma last month led to the apprehension of 130 illegal immigrant truck drivers, drawing in local law enforcement alongside ICE.
The majority of these individuals were found to possess CDLs issued by states led by the Democratic party. Among these was an individual from India holding a New York CDL, bizarrely issued with the name “No Name Given.”
“If New York is issuing CDLs to undocumented immigrants labeled ‘No Name Given,’ that’s their prerogative. However, once they step into Oklahoma, they are subject to our laws,” asserted Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt in a statement.
This incident follows a tragic event in August where an undocumented immigrant, equipped with a work permit from the Biden administration and a California CDL, was involved in a fatal accident in Florida that resulted in the death of three Americans due to an illegal U-turn.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy subsequently revealed that “thousands of licenses that should never have been issued actually were,” emphasizing that many states have been granting licenses extending well beyond the lawful duration of a driver’s presence in the U.S.
Lyons appeared on Fox’s Big Weekend Show to delve into the implications of this situation.
Fox contributor Griff Jenkins reported on the case of the Indian illegal immigrant who was apprehended while driving an 18-wheeler, brandishing his counterfeit New York license. Jenkins remarked, “That’s literally a REAL ID he was arrested with.” The REAL ID system, known for its stringent security regulations, is a prerequisite for boarding flights and entering various secure government facilities. To procure a REAL ID, one must furnish proof of identity, legal status, and residency.
Furthermore, Duffy pointed out the REAL ID insignia on the “No Name Given” license, sharing his disbelief at how arduous the process for obtaining a legitimate REAL ID can be compared to the ease of receiving one with such a dubious identity.
He remarked, “These sanctuary states aim to create a welcoming environment for individuals whose identities remain unknown. Homeland Security Investigations is committed to collaborating with state police departments and federal agencies to remove these IDs from circulation and carry out arrests of criminal aliens.”
Lyons continued, expressing fear over the drivers licensed to transport hazardous materials without proper vetting, underscoring the grave risk to public safety. “We’ve seen far too many American lives lost because of individuals like these, possessing licenses they shouldn’t have. Our mission is to ensure these IDs are taken off the streets and that we apprehend those who are illegally residing here,” he added.
Lyons: It’s genuinely alarming, Griff, to see that a driver’s license issued by a state can display ‘No Name Given.’ The most disconcerting part is that there’s a REAL ID star in the corner. Meanwhile, the process I went through to secure my REAL ID was reminiscent of a security clearance. It’s baffling that we’re granting illegal aliens rights to operate vehicles here.
Furthermore, these are CDLs, allowing them to conduct the transportation of potentially hazardous goods without adequate oversight. We owe it to our citizens to ensure that our roads are safe and to take proactive steps against those who pose a threat. Our investigation efforts are underway to eliminate these unauthorized IDs and arrest those illegally residing in our communities.
