DHS stopped 223 drivers, including 146 truck drivers, and claimed they are undocumented
The operation was coordinated between the Department of Homeland Security, the Indiana State Police, and the federal 287(g) program
A total of 223 drivers, allegedly undocumented citizens, were arrested on highways in northwest Indiana, near the Illinois border, as a result of a joint operation between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Indiana State Police Indiana, authorities reported Thursday.
The operation, developed under the federal 287(g) program and known as “Operation Midway Blitz,” is part of a Chicago-based strategy to combat crime on interstate highways.
Among those arrested are 146 truck drivers, more than 40 of whom possessed commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) issued by states such as Illinois, California, and New York.
Crimes associated with those arrested
According to DHS, the arrested drivers are undocumented immigrants linked to various crimes, including driving under the influence of alcohol, drug trafficking, theft, assault, child abuse, domestic violence, prostitution, and fraud.
“Too many innocent Americans have died at the hands of immigrants driving cargo trucks. Sanctuary states continue to grant them commercial licenses, but that ends under President Trump’s leadership,” stated Secretary Kristi Noem, who described The operation was described as “a decisive step in restoring safety on the highways.” Governor Mike Braun emphasized that Indiana must remain vigilant against the use of its highways for criminal activity. “The safety of our state is the priority. We will continue to work with our federal partners to protect Hoosiers and all Americans,” Braun stated. Accidents linked to truck drivers: For his part, the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Todd Lyons, indicated that the operation seeks to eliminate alleged “threats to public safety” linked to undocumented immigrants driving cargo vehicles.
“Sanctuary policies, like those in Illinois, know no borders. ICE and the Indiana State Police have successfully removed hundreds of drivers who shouldn't be on the roads,” she stated.
According to DHS, there has been an increase in cases of undocumented immigrants involved in fatal accidents while operating commercial trucks.
Under Secretary Madison Sheahan asserted that the success of the operation demonstrates the importance of state and federal cooperation: “When cities and states work together with ICE, communities are safer. This operation not only protects Indiana, but also the residents of the sanctuary state of Illinois,” she concluded.