Recently, an incident in Oklahoma raised serious concerns about the screening of commercial driver’s licenses issued to illegal immigrants. According to the Department of Homeland Security, an illegal immigrant was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while carrying a New York state commercial driver’s license marked with the peculiar notation “NO NAME GIVEN.” This arrest was part of a concerted effort by federal and local law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety on American highways, a move that follows a tragic accident involving another illegal immigrant driver.
The individual apprehended, identified as Anmol Anmol, was arrested on September 23, 2025, during a routine inspection on Interstate 40. ICE reported that Anmol, originally from India, entered the United States illegally in 2023 and was released into the country by the current administration. ICE has placed him in removal proceedings.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin expressed outrage over this situation, stating, “New York is not only failing to check if applicants applying to drive 18-wheelers are U.S. citizens but even failing to obtain the full legal names of individuals they are issuing commercial drivers’ licenses to.” Her comments highlight a troubling lapse in the licensing process, emphasizing the potential risks illegal drivers pose on highways.
Despite these concerns, a representative from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles contested claims regarding Anmol’s status, asserting that he holds lawful status in the U.S. through a federal employment authorization issued earlier in the year. They stressed that the license was issued in accordance with federal guidelines, suggesting that individuals from other countries often have only one name. “This commercial driver’s license was issued in accordance with all proper procedures, including verification of the individual’s identity through federally issued documentation,” the DMV official stated.
Oklahoma Republican Governor Kevin Stitt took a firm stance on the issue, commenting, “If New York wants to hand out CDLs to illegal immigrants with ‘No Name Given,’ that’s on them. The moment they cross into Oklahoma, they answer to our laws.” His statement underscores Oklahoma’s commitment to enforcing state regulations, particularly in light of safety concerns associated with illegal immigrants operating heavy vehicles.
This incident is not isolated. An operation spanning from September 23 to 25 led to the arrest of 120 illegal aliens, some of whom were found driving commercial vehicles licensed in sanctuary states. Governor Stitt’s office revealed that these arrests included individuals from various countries, highlighting a broader issue of illegal aliens operating without proper verification. It was pointed out that some had prior convictions for serious crimes, posing significant risks to public safety.
According to DHS, the arrests involved individuals with alarming criminal backgrounds, including charges for driving under the influence, human smuggling, and more. Notably, one Guatemalan national, Kevin Ivan Escobar-Dionicio, was noted for serious allegations of both human smuggling and money laundering. These developments call into question the effectiveness of current immigration policies and the vetting processes for those driving large commercial vehicles.
This situation has gained national attention, particularly following the high-profile case of Harjinder Singh, who was charged with vehicular homicide related to a fatal crash in Florida. That case has intensified scrutiny over the qualifications and backgrounds of illegal immigrants behind the wheel. Singh’s predicament spotlights the troubling reality of illegal drivers obtaining commercial licenses despite failing language proficiency assessments, raising alarms about widespread public safety issues connected to illegal immigration.
In response to these growing concerns, Deputy ICE Director Madison Sheahan remarked, “Illegal aliens have no business operating 18-wheelers on America’s highways.” She revealed that the ongoing enforcement operations highlight the collaborative efforts of federal and local enforcement to enhance road safety by identifying and removing threats. Sheahan encouraged more local law enforcement agencies to participate in initiatives like the 287(g) program, which fosters cooperation between state authorities and federal immigration agents.
The arrest of Anmol Anmol and the subsequent larger operation reflect the pressing challenges faced in regulating illegal immigration and its implications for public safety. As states like Oklahoma ramp up their enforcement efforts, the complexities surrounding federal and state cooperation, licensing procedures, and illegal immigration remain critical issues demanding vigilant attention.
In conclusion, the ramifications of these arrests extend beyond individuals and prompt larger discussions about the integrity of our transportation systems, the adequacy of current immigration protocols, and the safety of the driving public. As federal, state, and local authorities work to navigate these complex challenges, public safety remains a paramount concern amidst evolving immigration policies.
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