California Governor Gavin Newsom is taking heat online after a federal immigration operation in Arizona resulted in the arrests of 95 commercial truck drivers who authorities said were in the country illegally. Of those drivers, 76 were carrying commercial driver’s licenses issued by California, immediately putting the state’s licensing practices in the political spotlight.
Conservative commentator Gunther Eagleman pinned the situation directly on Newsom, writing, “So the most powerful “sanctuary” governor in America stamped commercial licenses on people who aren’t supposed to be in the country, then sent them across state lines in machines that can flatten a family in one second.“
The arrests in question weren’t the result of one single traffic stop or sweep. Between the dates of August 10 and August 14, US Customs and Border Protection had worked with Stonegarden law enforcement to target human and drug smuggling and other organized illegal activity.
In total, there were 143 arrests involving people from 18 different countries. Among those arrested were 95 truck drivers who possessed state-issued commercial driver’s licenses, including 76 licenses from California, six from New York, and 13 from other states.
People like Gunther Eagleman have pointed their fingers at Gavin Newsom in blame for California’s public look. He writes, “Newsom will give you a speech about climate, hair gel, and how California is a model for the nation. The model just got booked in Arizona. If your state is minting CDLs for illegal aliens, you’re not running a government. You’re running a loading dock for the next wreck.”
The arrests have now handed Newsom’s critics another opening to attack California’s policies, even as some of the accusations circulating online go beyond what federal authorities actually said about the operation.
Comments and Reactions to California CDL Holders Arrested in Arizona
Safety was easily one of the biggest concerns in the replies, particularly among people focused on the training required to operate commercial vehicles. One person wrote, “When I got mine…in Illinois I had to take classroom (6 weeks.) Then driving with a ‘coach’ for 2 months. Then pass the state practical exam, learning ever part and demonstrating competency. Then periodic ‘rides’ from my supervisor. Give me a break.“
Others directed their anger towards Newsom and California itself, with another commenter writing, “California is a model for the nation!!! just didn’t say what kind! fraud, corruption, fraud, corruption, fraud, …. did we leave anything out?“
There was also a broader demand for accountability surrounding commercial-driver regulations. With 76 of the 95 drivers in question carrying California-issued CDLs, the Arizona operation has ensured that questions about exactly how those licenses were obtained aren’t staying in Arizona.
