Truckers are raising alarms about the growing presence of illegal immigrants obtaining commercial driver’s licenses. This trend, they argue, stems from relaxed licensing standards during a national driver shortage. The situation poses serious safety concerns on U.S. highways.
Concerns Over ‘Foreign Invasion’ in Trucking
Harvey Beech, co-founder of American Truckers United, expressed the frustrations of American truck drivers about what they call a “foreign invasion” in their industry. He noted that drivers face numerous challenges daily due to these developments.
- Over 200 illegal immigrants were recently removed from the roads in the operation named “Operation Midway Blitz.”
- This included 46 semi-truck drivers and 82 migrants driving various vehicles.
Government Action and Reactions
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have both criticized sanctuary states for their role in issuing commercial driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. They assert that these actions have led to increased traffic incidents involving unlicensed drivers.
Noem pointed out that illegal licenses have been issued in over a dozen states. Shannon Everett, another co-founder of American Truckers United, remarked on the alarming trend of lowering licensing standards to address the driver shortage.
Impact on Safety and Accountability
Both officials are focusing on “CDL mills”—organizations that issue commercial driver’s licenses without proper regulations. Trucking companies based in sanctuary states, such as California, New York, and Illinois, are under scrutiny for hiring unqualified drivers.
- Questions arise about accountability in trucking incidents, particularly concerning freight and liability.
- Everett suggests that many new trucking companies emerge monthly, often with questionable hiring practices.
Case Highlights and Ongoing Controversies
The crackdown follows a deadly incident on October 21, where Indian national Jashanpreet Singh allegedly drove a semi-truck impaired, leading to a multi-car crash that resulted in three fatalities. The scrutiny on licensing practices intensified after this tragedy.
Amid these discussions, officials are also considering funding cuts for states not adhering to federal safety standards. While California Governor Gavin Newsom defends the state’s licensing practices, claiming compliance with federal laws, truckers emphasize the need for stricter oversight to ensure safety on the roads.
Statistics and Outcomes
| Incident Type | Number Involved |
|---|---|
| Illegal Drivers Removed | 200+ |
| Semi-Truck Drivers | 46 |
| Migrants in Other Vehicles | 82 |
As the conversation surrounding illegal drivers and their impact on the trucking industry continues, the call for reform and safety will remain at the forefront of public discourse.
