Ex-New York Giant Jack Brewer, left; Trucks travel the Cross Bronx Expressway (I-95) southbound toward the Trans-Manhattan Expressway and New Jersey, right. (Getty Images; Reuters)
That call was echoed by another Floridian, Attorney General James Uthmeier, who announced Monday at the Live Oak weigh station on I-10 in the panhandle that the state will use its 287(g) agreement with ICE to carry out immigration checks at such facilities.
Brewer praised Uthmeier, suggesting other states follow that lead.
"Every driver of a massive semi-truck should have their credentials verified, and only legal U.S. citizens should be trusted with that responsibility," he said.
Trucking should be only the start, he said – adding that industries across the board should be prioritizing U.S. citizens and particularly those in situations like ex-convicts who have additional hurdles to counter. "Take the shackles off" people who pay taxes and hold citizenship before looking to foreign nationals to fill vacancies, he said.
Todd Spencer, president of the Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association (OOIDA), added in comments to Fox News Digital that Rubio’s order also destroys the "myth of a truck driver shortage."
"The misuse of visa programs along with the rise of non-domiciled CDL holders in recent years has fueled a flood of drivers into our country who struggle to operate safely in full compliance with regulations," Spencer said, adding he also asked the U.S. Department of Transportation to suspend all "non-domiciled" CDL programs.
Charles Creitz is a reporter for Fox News Digital.
He joined Fox News in 2013 as a writer and production assistant.
Charles covers media, politics and culture for Fox News Digital.
Charles is a Pennsylvania native and graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. Story tips can be sent to charles.creitz@fox.com.
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