New York’s driver’s license policies are under intense scrutiny after authorities discovered an illegal immigrant holding a legitimate commercial driver’s license (CDL) issued by the state, bizarrely registered under “NO NAME GIVEN.”
The individual, an Indian national named Anmol Anmol, was arrested during a joint Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Oklahoma Highway Patrol operation along Interstate 40, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Friday. The three-day sweep targeted illegal immigrants operating heavy trucks, raising alarms about public safety and national security.
Shocking Discovery in Oklahoma
Anmol was detained with a valid New York Class A CDL, complete with a federally recognized REAL ID star, despite his illegal status in the U.S. The license, issued in April, listed “NO NAME GIVEN” as the holder’s name, sparking outrage over New York’s vetting process. DHS officials condemned the state for allowing an undocumented individual to operate 80,000-pound vehicles, potentially transporting hazardous materials.
“New York is not only failing to verify U.S. citizenship for commercial driver’s license applicants but also neglecting to collect their full legal names,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “This reckless policy endangers public safety by allowing illegal immigrants to drive 18-wheelers on our roads.”
The arrest was part of ICE’s 287(g) partnership with Oklahoma, which McLaughlin credited for removing Anmol from highways.
New York’s Defense
The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) defended its actions, claiming the license was issued “consistent with federal guidelines” after Anmol presented employment authorization documents. A DMV official argued that it’s “not uncommon” for individuals from certain countries to have a single name, and federal protocols permit a “no name given” designation in such cases.
Oklahoma’s Stance
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt sharply criticized New York’s policies, vowing to protect his state’s highways from what he called “sanctuary state” practices. “If New York wants to issue CDLs to illegal immigrants under ‘No Name Given,’ that’s their choice,” Stitt said. “But when they enter Oklahoma, they face our laws.”
Broader Operation Results
The September 23–25 operation, dubbed “Guardian Sweep,” resulted in the detention of 120 illegal immigrants along Interstate 40, with 91 operating commercial vehicles using licenses from “sanctuary” states like New York. The detainees hailed from countries including India, Uzbekistan, China, Russia, Turkey, and Cuba, with many having prior convictions for crimes such as drug trafficking, assault, human smuggling, and money laundering.
The sweep follows public outcry over a similar case involving Harjinder Singh, an Indian national issued a California CDL despite failing an English proficiency test. Singh now faces vehicular homicide charges after a deadly Florida crash that killed three.
Calls for Reform
ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan emphasized the need for stronger state-federal partnerships like Oklahoma’s 287(g) program. “Illegal immigrants have no place operating 18-wheelers on America’s highways,” she said. “This operation shows how collaboration can enhance safety.” She urged other states to adopt similar measures to prevent unqualified drivers from endangering roads.
As this controversy unfolds, it’s fueling demands for tighter regulations on driver’s license issuance and heightened scrutiny of sanctuary state policies. The debate is far from over, and this case may reshape the national conversation on immigration, identification, and road safety.
