Federal and state authorities in Indiana have arrested 223 illegal immigrants, including 146 unlicensed semi-truck drivers, as part of a national crackdown on unlicensed commercial truckers. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the arrests during a news conference in Gary, Indiana, highlighting the dangers these drivers pose to public safety. The operation, part of the Trump administration’s Operation Midway Blitz, aims to remove individuals who may lack the language skills or understanding of U.S. laws to operate heavy vehicles safely.
The crackdown follows concerns over fatal crashes caused by drivers who could not speak or read English or communicate with law enforcement. Noem expressed frustration over the lack of accountability, pointing to cases where illegal immigrants received commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) in states like California and Illinois. Federal records indicate that some drivers with criminal histories, including drug trafficking and drunk driving, were granted licenses despite compliance failures.
The operation also includes similar actions in Oklahoma, where over 250 illegal immigrant truck drivers have been arrested. Authorities emphasize the importance of public safety, noting that 80,000-pound trucks in untrained hands represent a significant risk. The Department of Homeland Security reiterated its commitment to targeting criminal aliens in sanctuary jurisdictions, raising questions about the federal and state roles in managing immigration-related safety concerns.