ICE accused of using DMV data to target undocumented immigrants

Sosa Basillo is an undocumented immigrant license holder, in Salinas. Wednesday, he learned ICE could target others like him through the California Department of Motor Vehicle’s database.

“There are a lot of people, a lot of my friends, that aren’t getting their license, due to fear of what could happen,” said Basillo.

Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo introduced the law that now allows over one million undocumented Californians to hold driver’s licenses. For some, that freedom may not be worth the risk.

The Voice of San Diego released a report, Monday, that ICE is using DMV databases to target and arrest undocumented immigrants with no previous criminal record.

“That, of course, is very alarming because if it is not addressed, if the state legislature and Governor Newsom, don’t try to close those loopholes to protect that confidentiality of information, it could deter immigrants from applying to get their AB60 driver’s license. It could deter them from renewing it, knowing that, somehow, ICE could get ahold of that information about them,” said Alejo.

The DMV said it doesn’t have a separate database for undocumented license holders, but some agencies, like ICE, can access information about drivers. Supervisor Alejo said he is working with Governor Newsom to investigate, and fears this could even impact the state’s economy.

“If you can imagine, over a million new Californians, who are now having to buy auto insurance, they’re buying vehicles, they’re renting vehicles. This has been an economic benefit for the state of California. They have to have insurance just like everybody else. That’s a benefit to everyone using California roads and highways,” said Alejo.

That money could be lost, if these drivers decide to dumps their licenses. “This puts us on alert because we’re not from here. I don’t feel safe here because of what ICE is doing,” said AB60 holder, Salgado Flores.