10-30-2025 Gov. Braun joins Secretary Noem to Highlight More Than 140 Illegal Alien Truck Drivers Arrested During DHS Operation Midway Blitz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025

Gov. Braun joins Secretary Noem to Highlight More Than 140 Illegal Alien Truck Drivers Arrested During DHS Operation Midway Blitz

GARY, IN - Today, Governor Mike Braun joined DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in announcing that a successful 287(g) operation with Indiana State Police has resulted in the arrest of 223 illegal aliens on Indiana highways near the Illinois state line-including 146 truck drivers. This operation took place in Northwest Indiana and is part of Chicago-based Operation Midway Blitz.

Recent cases of illegal aliens driving commercial vehicles involved in fatal crashes has brought attention to this issue. For example, in August, ICE lodged an arrest detainer for an illegal alien following his arrest for three counts of vehicular homicide while driving a semi-truck in Florida, and last week, ICE lodged an arrest detainer for a criminal illegal alien who killed three people in California while driving an 18-wheeler under the influence.

Criminal activity associated with the 223 illegal aliens arrested during this effort included driving under the influence, drug trafficking, assault, child abuse, and burglary. Over 40 drivers had been issued Commercial Drivers Licenses.

"Indiana is the Crossroads of America, and that's something we're proud of - but it also means we must stay vigilant about those using our interstates for crime and thus endangering our communities. The safety of our state is our top priority, and we'll keep working with our federal partners to keep Hoosiers - and Americans - safe." - Governor Mike Braun

"Far too many innocent Americans have been killed by illegal aliens driving semi-trucks and big rigs. And yet, sanctuary states around the country have been issuing illegal aliens commercial driver's licenses. The Trump Administration is ending the chaos. Thanks to President Trump, Operation Midway Blitz has already removed over 140 illegal alien truck drivers in Indiana. Thanks to the brave men and women of ICE and the Indiana State Police are working nonstop to get criminal illegal aliens out of our communities and off our roads." - Secretary Kristi Noem

"ICE launched Operation Midway Blitz to remove illegal alien threats to public safety, which is exactly what we have done in Chicago. We recognized from the start that this must include protecting roadways carrying interstate traffic and cargo. Sanctuary policies like those in Illinois sadly don't recognize borders, and ICE and the Indiana State Police have successfully arrested hundreds of illegal alien truck drivers who should not be operating on our highways. In recent weeks, we have seen illegal semi-truck drivers responsible for significant loss of life across the country. This was preventable, and that is precisely why we are working to ensure this doesn't happen in Indiana or Illinois." - ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons

"This operation wouldn't have been as successful as it was without our strong 287(g) partnership with the Indiana State Police. Protecting communities from criminal illegal aliens also includes those posing safety threats on our interstates. When cities and states partner with us, communities are safer, and as this operation has proven, our efforts in Indiana extend protection to those living in the sanctuary state of Illinois as well." - ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan

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