Florida Cracks Down on Driver’s License Scheme for "Aliens"

Eight individuals, including two DMV employees, have been arrested in Bay County, Florida, in connection with a scheme to unlawfully issue driver’s licenses to "illegal aliens." The arrests stem from a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations.

What Happened

Authorities say two employees at the local DMV were issuing licenses without the required testing, in exchange for cash payments arranged through intermediaries. Key details include:

• Licenses were granted without proper testing: investigators reviewed surveillance footage confirming applicants bypassed legal requirements. Though it remains unclear the total amount of licenses were issued under this scheme, including CDLs
• Applicants traveled from across Florida to Bay County specifically for these transactions.
• Third-party intermediaries coordinated the payments, which were made in person or through mobile payment platforms.

The scheme allegedly exploited vulnerabilities in the system, allowing "aliens" to acquire government-issued identification by circumventing safeguards.

Charges Filed

Those arrested face a range of charges, including:

• Unlawful issuance of a driver’s license
• Official misconduct
• Unlawful possession of a driver’s license

Officials indicated that more arrests and charges are expected as the investigation continues.

What Officials Are Saying

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier emphasized the state’s approach to immigration-related enforcement:

“Florida's Sheriffs are on the front lines of our state's fight against illegal immigration… My warning to any illegal alien coming to Florida to commit further crimes: we are going to find you, hold you accountable, and then send you back to where you came from.”

Sheriff Tommy Ford credited the operation as part of ongoing efforts to prevent fraud and strengthen security in state licensing systems.

Source: Yahoo