Driving Without Borders: The Utah DPC and Immigration Risks
Unauthorized immigrants receiving driving licenses: a concealed danger that Utah Department of Public Safety allegedly conceals from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents
In the U.S., Utah is one of the states offering undocumented immigrants the privilege to drive. This perk is obtained by securing a Utah Driving Privilege Card (DPC), yet it comes with its share of risks for immigrants.
The Double-Edged Sword: Utah's DPC
As reported by local media like KUER, the DPC offers a valuable asset for undocumented migrants in Utah, enabling them to travel freely around the state in regular-sized vehicles and streamline their daily tasks.
While the current administration's tightened immigration policies have some viewing the DPC as problematic, as it might attract ICE agents' attention. Spokesperson for the Know Your Rights program, Kendall Moriarty, recommends that undocumented immigrants should avoid the DPC unless it's necessary.
However, if the DPC is essential, it is recommended to carry it at all times while driving in Utah. Moriarty stated in an interview that although it's advisable to avoid DPCs to preserve personal data, it's crucial to carry it if driving is unavoidable.
ICE Agents and the DPC: A Historical Perspective
According to a 2019 report in The Washington Post, numerous federal agencies, including ICE, have accessed state databases related to driver's licenses for certain profile searches. In Utah's case, the Department of Public Safety allows law enforcement to view DPC data, consisting of photographs, immigration status, and addresses.
Although no official statements have been made, the database housed by this department contained over five million photos of driver's licenses and state IDs, surpassing Utah's population at the time by more than two million. This could possibly provide ICE agents a path to identify and locate undocumented migrants in Utah, as indicated by media outlets like Deseret News.
The States Offering DPCs
Similar to Utah, states like California, Colorado, Nevada, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, Connecticut, Hawaii, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Vermont issue DPCs or equivalent documents. As a result, ICE agents may potentially monitor the profiles of undocumented individuals based on their driver's licenses.
It's worth noting that some licenses for undocumented migrants possess distinctive designs or identifiable markers, making them easier for authorities to spot during routine checks or even raids.
Insights:
- The Utah Driving Privilege Card offers essential mobility to undocumented immigrants but can attract ICE agents' attention.
- Experts recommend carrying the DPC while driving, but it's best to avoid it if not essential to protect personal information.
- Various states offer similar driving privileges to undocumented immigrants, putting their driver's license data at potential risk of being accessed by immigration authorities.
- Some licenses issued to undocumented immigrants have distinct appearances that may be easier for authorities to spot, increasing the risk during checks and raids.
The Utah Driving Privilege Card, a privilege given to undocumented immigrants, offers general-news value by enabling them to travel freely yet poses risks due to increased immigration scrutiny. Experts advise carrying it only when necessary in policy-and-legislation matters, as other states such as California and New York also issue similar driving privileges, potentially providing more data for ICE agents to access.
