States Escalate CDL Crackdown Amid Federal Immigration Rule Changes

Two states are taking starkly different but related actions in response to tightening federal oversight of commercial driver licensing. On October 1, 2025, the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles announced it has paused all non-domiciled CDL and Commercial Learner’s Permit issuances until further notice. The decision follows an FMCSA emergency interim final rule imposing stricter requirements for lawfully present noncitizens seeking credentials.

🎣 1000s of CDLs Revoked

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“The rule requires states to stop issuing non-domiciled CDLs and Commercial Learner’s Permits until they can ensure compliance with updated regulations,” Oregon officials said.

The pause covers every type of CDL issuance, from renewals to reprints, impacting roughly 1,400 limited-term credential holders in Oregon, most of whom have Employment Authorization Documents from U.S. Customs and Immigration. Oregon DMV officials explained that compliance will require statutory updates, rule changes, and “extensive computer system changes.”

Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, state officials are moving in the opposite direction, intensifying immigration enforcement against CDL holders.

Last week, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted a three-day enforcement blitz at the Beckham County Port of Entry. Dubbed Operation Guardian, the crackdown led to 130 drivers being taken off the road. According to Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton, 25% of those checked were in the country illegally, and 90% of that group were operating commercial vehicles.

“Moving forward, we’ll continue with these types of operations because our desire is to make sure that every Oklahoman is safe,” Tipton said.

Governor Kevin Stitt criticized sanctuary states such as New York, where CDLs have been issued with “No Name Given.” He warned:

“If New York wants to hand out CDLs to illegal immigrants with ‘No Name Given,’ that’s on them. The moment they cross into Oklahoma, they answer to our laws.”

OCC Chair Kim David framed the effort as a public safety measure:

“By working together as law enforcement partners, we’re reducing risks for every driver.”

Why It Matters

Together, Oregon’s suspension of CDL processing and Oklahoma’s aggressive enforcement reflect a widening divide in state-level responses to federal immigration and CDL oversight. While Oregon’s move creates uncertainty for immigrant drivers with legal work permits, Oklahoma’s crackdown highlights the political and safety tensions around CDLs issued in sanctuary states.

The FMCSA’s emergency rule and subsequent state-level enforcement show that immigration and credentialing in trucking are fast becoming frontline issues in U.S. transportation policy.

Source: CDLLIFE 1, 2