Oklahoma Enforcement Effort With ICE Removes 130 Truck Drivers

Oklahoma regulators, working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, removed 130 commercial drivers from the road during a three-day enforcement operation at the Beckham County Port of Entry, officials announced on Sept. 29, 2025.

Enforcement Focused on California-Licensed Trucks

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) said the initiative targeted “CDL drivers and commercial trucks licensed and registered in the state of California.” In a statement, the agency explained that its role is to “reduce risk from improperly large commercial vehicles and inappropriately credentialed drivers.”

Governor Kevin Stitt drew attention to the operation by sharing a photo of a commercial driver’s license issued in New York with “No Name Given” listed where the driver’s name should appear.

Public Safety Concerns

Commissioners emphasized safety risks associated with credentialing and compliance issues. Brian Bingman, OCC Commissioner, said:

“The inability to read road signs written in English will lead to accidents. This negligence creates risk for Oklahoma’s drivers.”

Corporation Commission Chair Kim David added:

“We appreciate the opportunity to assist ICE and DPS Troop S by removing non-compliant and dangerous drivers from our roads. By working together as law enforcement partners, we’re reducing risks for every driver.”

Todd Hiett, another commissioner, noted that Ports of Entry often serve as the first point of contact for incoming trucks:

“Our officers’ professionalism, training and use of technology quickly assess each driver and rig to resolve permitting concerns, issue a ticket with an associated fine, or require the driver to pull over and submit to further inspection.”

Federal Regulatory Context

The OCC also pointed to a FMCSA emergency interim rule issued Sept. 29. The rule amends how State Driver’s Licensing Agencies issue CDLs to foreign-domiciled individuals, underscoring federal concern over credentialing vulnerabilities.

Why It Matters

With 130 drivers removed from service in just three days, the Oklahoma effort underscores both the scale of compliance risks and the federal-state partnerships forming to address them. For carriers and brokers, these crackdowns highlight the importance of strict vetting and documentation to avoid disruptions at Ports of Entry.

Source: CDLLIFE