Staff Reports
In yet another tragedy that underscores ongoing immigration issues, California is once again in the spotlight. This time, it’s a deadly truck crash that took the lives of three individuals, and the driver responsible? An illegal immigrant. Authorities stated the driver was just 21 years old, likely under the influence of drugs, and hadn’t even bothered to hit the brakes before the crash. It’s a tragic story that might make one question what the priorities truly are when it comes to public safety, particularly in states that embrace sanctuary policies.
The incident took place near Los Angeles where the Indian national, who was released into the United States last year, made a fiery mess on the highway. The questions that arise from such incidents are endless. Why are individuals who are in the country illegally managing to secure commercial driver’s licenses, particularly when operating an 80,000-pound truck is no small responsibility? California apparently issued these licenses to 62,000 people without permanent legal status, thanks to laws that prevent inquiry into one’s immigration status during the application process.
In Oklahoma, the situation seems to be equally concerning. The highway patrol recently arrested 125 illegal immigrants driving big rigs at a single checkpoint. Astonishingly, 85% of them held commercial driver’s licenses. They never should’ve had these licenses in the first place, similar to the driver in the California crash. These incidents paint a disturbing pattern across states where highway safety should not be compromised by political correctness.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed anger over this issue, rightly calling it a direct threat to road safety. Of course, language in politics can often be as hazy as a San Francisco fog, so it’s refreshing to see a straightforward call for action. While California Governor Gavin Newsom appears conveniently silent on these matters, there’s a high-stakes game of chicken with public safety at the center. It seems Governor Newsom would rather not address the elephant in the room. Meanwhile, Americans are left pondering who will be held accountable when foreign nationals with no regard for the law are behind the wheel.
This situation has sparked outrage among those worried about the apparent lack of control over who is driving on American roads. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons mentioned the administration’s previous “catch and release” policies, which allowed the driver in question to remain in the U.S. Unfortunately, it took a tragic accident to bring this debate back into the limelight. One wonders if officials will take effective steps to prevent another avoidable catastrophe. With lives at risk, leaders need to ensure that immigration laws aren’t just suggestions and that every driver on the road is there legally and responsibly.
