ICE agents arrested over 100 illegal alien truck drivers on California highways during Operation Highway Sentinel. Federal authorities launched the sweep after a series of deadly crashes across several states. These accidents involved commercial drivers who received licenses under Governor Gavin Newsom's policies.
The operation targeted drivers from numerous countries, including Mexico, Russia, and Uzbekistan. ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan blamed sanctuary state policies for "costing American lives." She argued that California knowingly issued thousands of licenses to individuals who should not be driving semi-trucks.
ICE operation results in the arrests of 101 criminal alien truckers in California.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 23, 2025
Newsom put hundreds of threats on our highways. Criminal.
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ICE officials stated the operation responded to fatal accidents in California, Florida, and Oregon. These crashes claimed at least eight lives. Federal agents accused California leadership of issuing commercial licenses to people who cannot read English or road signs.
Similar operations have already taken place in Indiana, New York, and Oklahoma. Over 200 illegal immigrant truck drivers have been arrested across those states. Authorities also noted that the trucking industry is often exploited by criminal organizations for smuggling and theft.
One high-profile case involved an Indian national who allegedly caused a fatal crash in Florida. Harjinder Singh had failed his licensing test 10 times before finally receiving a permit in Washington. California later granted him another license despite his lack of English proficiency.
Investigation into the Florida wreck found that Singh failed basic road sign tests. He is accused of causing a crash that left three people dead while making an illegal U-turn. Florida's Attorney General has since sued California and Washington over their licensing practices.
The Florida lawsuit asks the Supreme Court to stop both states from issuing commercial licenses to illegal immigrants. It accuses the states of ignoring federal safety and immigration requirements. All drivers arrested in the recent California operation will remain in ICE custody pending legal proceedings.