Indiana plans to crackdown on illegal immigrants with CDL's

(INDIANAPOLIS) – State officials are planning to crackdown on illegal immigrants who operate semi trucks. 

Governor Mike Braun is citing recent cases of fatal accidents that involve illegal immigrants with Commercial Drivers’ Licenses (CDL’s). 

On February 3, four people were killed in Jay County when a semi served into oncoming traffic and struck a van head-on. 

Investigators say the truck was driven by a Kyrgyzstan native who came into the United States illegally. He was able to obtain a CDL from the State of Pennsylvania. 

An amendment is being added to Indiana House Bill 1200 that would strengthen the process for CDL licensing and enable the state to remove CDLs from illegal immigrants. 

In addition, the amendment will create new penalties to crack down on non-licensed drivers and the companies that employee them. 

Governor Mike Bruan, Attorney General Todd Rokita and Representative Jim Pressel are among those calling for a passage of the amendment. 

"In addition to strengthening our CDL licensing process, Indiana will revoke the CDLs of drivers who are illegal immigrants and penalize companies who employee them. Through strong enforcement we will keep our roads and highways safe,” Gov. Braun said.

Attorney General Rokita added, "Although the state already has the power to revoke a license for a public safety risk, we have worked directly with legislators and the governor on proposed statutory language to make license revocation mandatory in cases of illegal aliens, since the federal government has already determined these aliens pose serious public safety risks."