Texas is the latest state to partner with federal law enforcement officers to arrest truckers who were in the country illegally.
The inspection effort by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations, and personnel from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration led to the arrest and detention of 31 drivers. The operation occurred Nov. 11 along interstate 40 in Wheeler County not far from the Oklahoma border.
During the 105 commercial vehicle inspections, DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement troopers were unable to verify the lawful presence of 31 drivers despite being presented with CDLs, according to a statement from the state. Those drivers were referred to ICE to have their lawful presence verified. It was determined that all 31 individuals were in the country illegally.
A majority of the non-domiciled CDLs presented to troopers by those 31 illegal immigrants were issued by California, according to the statement. None were issued in Texas.
Oklahoma has conducted at least three similar inspection efforts.
California has been under fire from the Department of Transportation for its practices for issuing non-domiciled CDLS. Pennsylvania has been the DOT's latest target. Both states have been threatened with the loss of federal highway funds.
