December 23, 2025San Francisco, CA, United StatesLaw Enforcement

ICE Operation Highway Sentinel arrests over 100 illegal alien truck drivers in Gavin Newsom’s California

The operation follows a series of fatal accidents caused by illegal aliens who were issued commercial driver’s licenses in Gavin Newsom’s California

SAN FRANCISCO — On Dec. 23, ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Francisco and HSI Los Angeles, along with federal partners, announced the successful conclusion of Operation Highway Sentinel, which resulted in the arrests of 101 illegal aliens truck drivers on California highways. This operation took place throughout California, where Gov. Gavin Newsom issued thousands of commercial driver’s licenses to illegal aliens who then went on to cause multiple high-profile fatal accidents in California, Florida and Oregon.

“Gavin Newsom’s sanctuary state policies are costing American lives,” said ICE Deputy Director Madison D. Sheahan. “His government knowingly issued thousands of CDLs to illegal aliens who had no business driving at all, let alone behind the wheel of a massive semi-truck. These drivers get their licenses, leave California, then terrorize roads all over the country. ICE is stepping in where his state failed. Just like our operations in Oklahoma and Indiana, we are taking these dangerous illegal alien truckers off the roads and making California streets safe again.”

Throughout 2025, criminal illegal aliens driving commercial vehicles on American roads caused multiple fatal accidents in California, Florida and Oregon that collectively cost eight innocent lives. Operation Highway Sentinel was launched in direct response to this threat. Under Newsom, the state of California knowingly issued thousands of CDLs to illegal aliens who had no business being on U.S. roads. Many of the truck drivers who caused these fatal crashes couldn’t even read English or understand road signs.

ICE has conducted similar operations targeting illegal aliens with CDLs in Indiana, New York and Oklahoma, which have resulted in the arrests of over 200 illegal alien truck drivers with CDLs.

“This week, HSI, along with our partners, conducted enforcement operations targeting illegal alien commercial truck drivers across California’s Central Valley in the interest of public safety,” said HSI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “In the wake of multiple deadly motor vehicle accidents involving illegal aliens operating as commercial truck drivers, federal law enforcement is taking action to prevent further tragedy.”

The operation targeted trucking companies in central and northern California suspected of engaging in criminal activity. The industry is widely known to law enforcement to involve criminal organizations engaged in human smuggling, labor trafficking, narcotics trafficking, cargo theft and fraud, as evidenced by multiple independent HSI, FBI and DEA investigations.

“Southern California is home to the two busiest seaports in the United States — the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. As cargo moves from these ports across the nation, it is essential that those transporting it comply fully with the law to keep our roadways safe,” said HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang. “Our operation has taken 101 drivers off the streets who should not have been behind the wheel, sending a clear message that violations of our laws and threats to public safety will not be tolerated.”

This operation was made possible through the Homeland Security Task Force Sacramento, a partnership between ICE, the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation and the DEA that collaborated to combat this public safety threat that endangers the lives of millions of Americans along our national roadways.

“DEA is working with our federal partners to save American lives and protect our communities,” said DEA San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris.

“This week's effort exemplifies the FBI's commitment to protecting the American people," said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. "We worked with our partners to identify and apprehend individuals who pose a significant risk to public safety and are in the United States without lawful status. Our collaborative efforts have made our highways safer."

The operation arrested illegal aliens from India, Mexico, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Nicaragua, Russia, Georgia, Venezuela, El Salvador and Honduras.

Those arrested will be held in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.

Investigators also conducted approximately 800 cargo inspections at major cargo ports, resulting in the arrest of two individuals. These ports serve as critical economic infrastructure, handling roughly 85 percent of goods entering the United States.

The operation specifically targeted individuals attempting to illegally gain access to these vital entry points, which are essential for the secure and efficient flow of commerce nationwide. Protecting the integrity of our cargo ports is fundamental to maintaining economic stability and safeguarding the supply chain.

Updated: 12/23/2025