OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – On Monday, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt announced authorities apprehended 130 alleged illegal immigrants from multiple countries under “Operation Guardian” sweep along Interstate 40.
According to the Governor Stitt’s announcement, the operation handled by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) targeted enforcement along I-40 in western Oklahoma with numerous commercial truck drivers utilizing licensures issued by sanctuary states from multiple countries, including India, Uzbekistan, China, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Mauritania.
OHP says, one license listed “No Name Given.”
“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,” said Governor Stitt. “I want to thank our troopers and ICE officials for their hard work. This is about keeping Oklahomans safe.”
Governor Stitt office says, the individuals posed a public safety risk without proper verification.
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission says, this was as part of the three-day enforcement effort.
“Oklahomans deserve safe highways,” said Corporation Commission Chair Kim David. “We appreciate the opportunity to assist ICE and DPS Troop S by removing non-compliant and dangerous drivers from our roads. By working together as law enforcement partners, we’re reducing risks for every driver.”
Commissioner Todd Hiett said, “Our Ports of Entry may very well be the first stop commercial truck drivers make after crossing the state line. Our officers’ professionalism, training and use of technology quickly assess each driver and rig to resolve permitting concerns, issue a ticket with an associated fine, or require the driver to pull over and submit to further inspection of their credentials or truck.”
