Presumptive Republican gubernatorial nominee Bruce Blakeman has publicly called out Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul for issuing commercial truck driver’s licenses to unauthorized migrants.
On Sunday, Blakeman, who serves as Nassau County executive, accused Hochul’s administration of handing out over half of New York’s commercial driver’s licenses to individuals without legal status, some even listed as “No Name Given” or “non-domiciled.” He pointed to the state Department of Motor Vehicles for issuing these licenses without confirming legal residency, a practice he claims violates federal safety standards.
The issue has ignited fierce debate across the state. Critics of Hochul’s policy argue it undermines public safety by allowing unvetted individuals to operate massive vehicles on crowded roads. Supporters, however, maintain that federal guidelines, not state decisions, govern the process.
Blakeman didn’t hold back in his assessment, highlighting tragic outcomes tied to this policy, as reported by the NY Post. “Governor Hochul is knowingly putting New Yorkers in danger,” he declared, pointing to the risks of entrusting 80,000-pound trucks to drivers who may lack proper documentation. That’s a heavy burden to place on public roads, both literally and figuratively.
Two fatal crashes bolster his critique with grim reality. Last November, Goderdzi Gujabidze, an unauthorized migrant with a New York commercial license, triggered a multi-vehicle wreck on Interstate 65 in Indiana, claiming the life of 23-year-old Indiana National Guardsman Terry Frye. A month later, Yisong Huang, also holding a New York CDL despite his status, caused a deadly collision on I-40 in Tennessee.
These incidents aren’t mere statistics; they’re a flashing warning sign. Blakeman insists that Hochul’s approach creates a dangerous loophole, allowing individuals without thorough vetting to navigate vehicles capable of catastrophic damage. It’s a policy that seems to prioritize access over accountability.
Hochul’s office pushed back, emphasizing that federal rules, not state whims, dictate commercial licensing standards. They assert that licenses in question, even those marked “No Name Given,” were issued after verifying identity through federal documents and confirming lawful status via employment authorization programs. It’s a technical defense, but does it address the core safety concern?
Her campaign spokesperson, Ryan Radulovacki, took a sharper tone against Blakeman. “While Governor Hochul has made record investments in public safety and worked with law enforcement to bring crime down, Bruce Blakeman actually let violent crime go up in Nassau,” Radulovacki stated. The jab aims to shift focus, but sidesteps the specifics of highway risks.
Meanwhile, Hochul’s broader agenda leans into sanctuary policies, including a push to restrict ICE raids at sensitive locations like schools and hospitals without judicial warrants. This stance aligns with progressive priorities, but to many, it signals a troubling disconnect from the immediate dangers of lax licensing.
Blakeman offers a clear alternative rooted in stricter oversight. “My administration will restore common sense and public safety,” he promised, vowing to prioritize licenses for law-abiding New Yorkers over those without legal status. It’s a pledge that resonates with folks tired of policies that seem to roll the dice on their safety.
His frustration mirrors a broader unease with state decisions that appear to clash with federal standards. When Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt revealed that a man caught in a raid of 125 unauthorized migrants held a New York CDL listed as “No Name Given,” it underscored the absurdity of the situation. How does a nameless license pass any reasonable sniff test?
Hochul’s support for measures allowing New Yorkers to sue federal agents like ICE for constitutional violations adds another layer of tension. While framed as a check on overreach, it risks further alienating those who see state policy drifting from practical enforcement needs.
This clash isn’t just about licenses; it’s about trust in governance. Blakeman’s critique paints Hochul as out of touch with the real-world consequences of progressive ideals, especially when lives are lost on highways. New Yorkers deserve leaders who weigh compassion against the hard realities of public risk.
Hochul’s team argues she’s balancing federal mandates with state autonomy, but the optics of deadly crashes and nameless licenses chip away at that narrative. When heavy trucks become potential weapons due to bureaucratic oversight, the public’s patience wears thin fast.
The governor’s race will likely keep this issue in the headlights. Voters face a choice between a policy that opens doors, perhaps too widely, and one that seeks to lock them tight for safety’s sake. It’s a debate worth having before the next tragedy strikes.