Officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol recently arrested more than 100 illegal immigrants in a three-day crackdown.
In an October 6 statement, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the operation targeted “threats to public safety along I-40 in Oklahoma.” The enforcement action took place between September 22 and September 25.
“ICE ran records checks on foreign-born nationals that OHP encountered during patrol,” the DHS statement explained. “As a result, 120 illegal aliens were taken into custody for immigration violations, 91 of which were operating a commercial motor vehicle with commercial driver’s licenses (CDL).”
Among the 120 suspects, past convictions included DUIs, illegal re-entry into the U.S., money laundering, human smuggling, and assault. Some individuals were also convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession of a controlled substance. Additionally, two suspects were arrested in connection to a nearby cannabis grow site.
In response to the arrests, ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan said, “These suspects had no business operating 18-wheelers on America’s highways.”
“Our roads are now safer with these illegal aliens no longer behind the wheel,” Sheahan added. “We encourage more state and local law enforcement to sign 287(g) agreements to help remove public safety threats and receive reimbursement funds available to our law enforcement partners.”
The crackdown comes just weeks after a suspect who had been deported multiple times allegedly caused a DUI-related crash in California.
This operation highlights ongoing efforts between federal and state agencies to improve public safety and enforce immigration laws on key transportation routes.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/oklahoma-troopers-ice-detain-120-illegal-immigrants-three-day-interstate-enforcement-sweep