MONTGOMERY, Ala — Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday announced that a recent partnership between the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has resulted in 82 detentions during commercial vehicle inspections.

The collaboration began Oct. 27 and included two “Strike Force” operations in late October and mid-November. ALEA’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit referred about 242 individuals to ICE for immigration checks, with 82 ultimately detained. Twelve of those detained had no driver’s license; the rest carried out-of-state licenses.

Ivey praised the effort, saying Alabama “will not look the other way” when illegal operators threaten highway safety. ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said the results show the value of federal coordination.

Alabama Trucking Association President Mark Colson also backed the enforcement push, calling it an important step in protecting legitimate operators and improving roadway safety.

State officials said similar coordinated operations will continue.