ICE Slams New York for Issuing Driver’s Licenses to Illegal Immigrants

Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons criticized New York officials for issuing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to undocumented immigrants, highlighting concerns over security and safety.

Lyons pointed to an incident involving a truck driver, Anmol Anmol, who was arrested after being found with a driver’s license that listed “No Name Given” as the first name during a routine inspection in Oklahoma. The license, issued by New York, only identified him by his last name, with the first and middle name fields filled with the placeholder “No Name Given.”

During an appearance on a news program, Lyons expressed alarm that such a license bore a REAL ID star, noting how strict the process is for obtaining a REAL ID. He emphasized the risks of issuing such lenient IDs, especially to commercial drivers transporting hazardous materials, potentially endangering public safety.

After his detention, Anmol was found to have entered the U.S. illegally in 2023 under the Biden administration and was placed into removal proceedings. Lyons questioned how individuals like Anmol could be granted licenses without adequate proof of identity, calling the practice dangerous and citing previous tragic incidents involving illegal drivers, including a fatal crash caused by a rogue U-turn in Florida.

Anmol Anmol was stopped in Oklahoma and found driving with a New York State Driver's License without his first name. — Anmol Anmol was stopped in Oklahoma and found driving with a New York State Driver’s License without his first name.

Lyons also highlighted that the permit process in New York requires multiple documents to verify identity, yet it remains unclear how Anmol obtained his license. The license was issued on April 14 and set to expire in 2028. He criticized the practice of sanctuary states offering such licenses, arguing it compromises public safety.

The ID issued to Anmol only identified him by last name, with 'No Name Given' in the first name space. — The ID issued to Anmol only identified him by last name, with “No Name Given” in the first name space.

Lyons criticized the issuance of such licenses, stating they pose a significant threat, especially since individuals with these IDs have been involved in deadly accidents. He referenced a case where a rogue driver caused a fatal crash in Florida, resulting in three deaths, underscoring concerns about the potential dangers of lax licensing practices.