Federal and state authorities arrested 70 illegal aliens during a two-day joint operation in Oklahoma, targeting individuals driving commercial trucks without proper legal status or licensing.
The effort, known as Operation Guardian, took place Oct. 28–29 and was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol through the state’s 287(g) partnership with ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations division. Officials said the operation focused on enhancing public safety along major highways by identifying illegal aliens operating semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles.
Of those arrested, 36 were criminal aliens convicted of crimes including assault and battery, soliciting prostitution, and DUI, while 34 others were cited for violating state laws related to commercial vehicle operation. According to ICE, 26 of the individuals arrested had obtained Commercial Driver’s Licenses in states with sanctuary policies, such as California, Illinois, and New York. Eight more were allegedly driving heavy commercial trucks without a CDL at all.
“For the second time in just the past month, the state of Oklahoma and ICE have banded together to bolster public safety along Oklahoma’s highways, identifying and apprehending illegal aliens who are in the country illegally and have been recklessly issued a commercial driver’s license by states like California, Illinois, and New Jersey,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Executive Associate Director Marcos Charles. “Many of the illegal aliens arrested behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound tractor trailer can’t even read basic English, endangering everyone they encounter on the roads.”
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt praised the results of the operation, saying, “Operation Guardian continues to successfully keep Oklahomans safe. To lawfully operate a commercial motor vehicle in Oklahoma, you must be here legally, and you must be able to understand English. These are common sense standards that we will continue to enforce.”
ICE said the arrested individuals came from 15 countries, including China, Colombia, Georgia, Guatemala, India, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Venezuela. Two of those detained are wanted overseas for fraud and burglary, and three others were arrested for obstruction and resisting arrest.
Officials emphasized that the operation demonstrates the value of state and federal cooperation under the 287(g) program, which allows trained state officers to assist in enforcing federal immigration law. ICE said it “remains steadfast in its commitment to enforcing immigration laws and protecting American communities from those who break the law.”
