Unseen Dangers on American Roads
A growing concern is sweeping across America's highways as truckers raise the alarm over a dangerous loophole in commercial driver's licensing. Reports have surfaced of licenses issued with 'No Name Given' to individuals, many of whom are suspected to be illegal immigrants, operating massive semi-trucks without proper identification or training. This issue, highlighted in recent investigations, poses a significant threat to public safety on interstates where a fully loaded truck can weigh up to 40 tons and become a deadly force in the wrong hands.
Truckers like Richard, based in Oklahoma, have witnessed firsthand the risks posed by untrained drivers. 'They don't stop on a dime, I'll tell you that,' Richard remarked while stopping at the Little America truck stop off I-40 in Flagstaff, Arizona. His concerns echo a broader sentiment among drivers who fear that without stringent licensing checks, these huge vehicles are potential weapons on the road.
Investigations Uncover Licensing Loopholes
Recent reports have revealed alarming instances of commercial driver's licenses being issued without proper names or vetting. In Oklahoma, a joint traffic enforcement operation along I-40 led to the arrest of 91 illegal alien commercial truckers among 120 immigration violators, underscoring the scale of unauthorized drivers on the roads. Additionally, an ICE raid in the state resulted in dozens of arrests of individuals with 'No Name Given' on their licenses, as noted by Senator Markwayne Mullin.
Further investigations by state and federal authorities have found hundreds of such licenses issued in states like New York, Illinois, and California. An Indian national, arrested after illegally entering the U.S. in 2023, was found driving an 18-wheeler with a New York commercial driver's license listing no full legal name. These cases highlight systemic issues in licensing processes that allow potentially unqualified drivers to operate heavy vehicles.
Shannon Everett, co-founder of American Truckers United, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, 'The driver's licenses of some illegal alien truckers say 'no name given.'' This lack of accountability in licensing has sparked outrage among industry insiders who argue that lax rules are endangering lives on America's highways.
Policy Responses and Industry Backlash
In response to these safety concerns, federal actions have been swift under the current administration. The Department of Transportation, led by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, has threatened to withhold funds from states like California—amounting to $40 million—if they fail to enforce English language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers. This policy, reinstated by the administration, has already resulted in over 6,000 truck drivers being pulled from the roads for failing to meet language standards.
On the legislative front, Representative David Rouzer has introduced the Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act to remove foreign truckers from U.S. roadways. 'As a conservative, I believe in the rule of law, national security, and the safety of the American people,' Rouzer stated, advocating for stricter controls to protect highways. Meanwhile, trucking industry experts have expressed support for reinstating English proficiency checks, arguing that the inability to read road signs contributes to preventable accidents.