CALIFORNIA – Florida attorney general James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit on October 15 with the U.S. Supreme Court accusing California and Washington of violating federal law by issuing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to undocumented immigrants.
The Bill of Complaint alleges that both states’ “sanctuary” policies undermine federal safety and immigration standards and create risks on the nation’s highways.
Florida’s Allegations
Florida contends that California and Washington are issuing CDLs and commercial learner’s permits to individuals who are not lawfully present in the U.S., in violation of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act and related federal regulations.
The complaint argues that state laws such as California’s Values Act and Washington’s Keep Washington Working Act prevent officials from verifying an applicant’s immigration status, effectively allowing unauthorized drivers to obtain CDLs.
“California’s and Washington’s open defiance of federal immigration laws is well-documented. Both States routinely frustrate and hinder federal law enforcement from addressing the immigration crisis and the destruction that accompanies it,” according to the complaint.
The complaint references a recent fatal crash in Florida involving a commercial driver who reportedly obtained licenses in Washington and California despite failing English proficiency standards.
Florida claims this incident exemplifies the dangers posed by lax licensing enforcement in those states.
Seeks injunction stopping states from issuing CDLs to undocumented applicants
The lawsuit seeks:
- A declaration that California’s and Washington’s licensing policies are preempted by federal law;
- An injunction stopping the states from issuing CDLs or learner permits to undocumented applicants;
- And a finding that the states’ actions constitute a public nuisance by creating unsafe road conditions and burdening other states’ enforcement systems.
Florida filed the case under the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction, which allows one state to sue another directly before the high court. The justices must first decide whether to hear the complaint.
Duffy withholds $40 million in federal funds
In a related development, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced he would withhold over $40 million in federal transportation funding from California.
He cited the state’s failure to enforce English-proficiency standards for commercial drivers — a requirement tied to federal safety programs.
RELATED: California could lose millions in federal funds over truck driver English rules
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