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By James Bickerton
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An illegal migrant working as a trucker was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on September 23 in Oklahoma and found to be in possession of a New York State commercial driver’s license that displayed “No Name Given Anmol,” according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a press release on Friday.
The DHS said the man, who it identified as Anmol Anmol, illegally entered the United States in 2023 and was then “released by the Biden administration into the country.”
Newsweek has contacted the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for comment on Saturday via telephone outside of regular office hours. Newsweek has also contacted ICE via email and New York Governor Kathy Hochul's office via an online inquiry form.
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When contacted for comment on Saturday morning, the DHS referred Newsweek to its Friday press release.
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump won last year's presidential election pledging a major crackdown on illegal immigration into the U.S., including the deportation of illegal migrants already in the country.
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has dramatically increased ICE funding and removed restrictions on the federal agency causing a surge in deportations.
The arrest of a truck driver carrying a New York commercial driver’s license issued with "No Name Given" is likely to trigger renewed debate over state and federal coordination on licensing, immigration enforcement, and public safety.
What To Know
The DHS announced on Friday the arrest of Anmol, an Indian national, who was found driving an 18-wheeler in Oklahoma with a New York State commercial driver’s license that listed his name as "No Name Given Anmol," with the "No Name Given" replacing his first and middle names.
His license was issued on April 14, 2025, and expires on May 26, 2028. The New York DMV confirmed it was authentic to the New York Post.
The "Class A" CDL, which Anmol had been issued with, qualifies a holder to operate large commercial vehicles and is marked as a REAL ID, permitting use for domestic flights and federal facility entry.
According to the DHS, Anmol’s arrest occurred during a three-day enforcement operation along I-40 by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and ICE through Oklahoma's 287(g) partnership, which allows collaboration with federal immigration enforcement agencies. Anmol was placed in removal proceedings following his arrest.
During this operation, Oklahoma authorities arrested more than 120 alleged illegal immigrants, with many reportedly operating commercial vehicles using out-of-state CDLs, according to the DHS.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a New York state DMV official said the individual holding the license has lawful status in the country through a federal employment authorization that was issued in March and "was issued a license consistent with federal guidelines."
"This commercial driver’s license was issued in accordance with all proper procedures, including verification of the individual’s identity through federally issued documentation," the official told Fox News Digital, adding that "it is not uncommon for individuals from other countries to have only one name."
The official also told the outlet that "procedures for that are clearly spelled out in the US Citizenship and Immigration Services policy manual" and that "it is important to note that federal documents also include a ‘no name given’ notation."
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What People Are Saying
Assistant Secretary of DHS Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement: “Allowing illegal aliens to obtain commercial driver’s licenses to operate 18-wheelers and transport hazardous materials on America’s roads is reckless and incredibly dangerous to public safety. Thanks to the successful 287g partnership of ICE and Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Anmol Anmol is no longer posing a threat to drivers.
“New York is not only failing to check if applicants applying to drive 18-wheelers are U.S. citizens but even failing to obtain the full legal names of individuals they are issuing commercial drivers’ licenses to. DHS is working with our state and local partners to get illegal alien truck drivers who often don’t know basic traffic laws off our highways.”
Oklahoma’s Republican Governor Kevin Stitt wrote on X last month: “If New York wants to hand out CDLs to illegal immigrants with ‘No Name Given,’ that’s on them. The moment they cross into Oklahoma, they answer to our laws.”
What Happens Next?
Anmol remains in ICE custody and is facing removal proceedings. The DHS stated it is reviewing its state and federal partnerships aimed at removing undocumented truck drivers and ensuring all CDL applicants are properly vetted.
Update 10/11/25, 11:36 a.m. ET: This story has been updated to note DHS sent Newsweek its initial press release when approached for comment.
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