ICYMI: In Bakersfield, Sen. Schiff Meets with Sikh Commercial Drivers Unfairly Targeted by Trump Administration

Bakersfield, CA - On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) met with Sikh truck drivers, businesses, and community members to talk about the ongoing threat of losing their commercial driver's license (CDLs) and the impact this has on their livelihoods, community, and local economies.

The threats come as the Trump administration is pushing to withhold federal funding from California if it does not revoke licenses from Sikh CDL holders the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) alleges are in violation.

During the visit, Schiff heard directly from Sikh drivers about their concerns including their fears of going to work due to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown and the increasing prejudice and bigotry being demonstrated against the community. Schiff emphasized that he would coordinate with the state of California to find solutions and push back against DOT's abuse and attempts to try to target immigrant communities.

"I'm very concerned about the loss of jobs, the loss of income for families, and the degree to which Sikh drivers have to deal with threats from people on the road or are stopped by transportation [officials or] referred to ICE. And even though folks are here lawfully and have work permits, they risk being detained or deported, so just a whole set of concerns. I think this will just push prices higher. There's already a scarcity of drivers, and here you have some deeply experienced drivers who are trying to provide for their family," said Senator Schiff during his visit.

"This is similar to other people that I've talked with who show up for their immigration appointments and instead of getting the immigration paperwork moving, they're detained and deported. So, this just breeds suspicion and fear, and so people don't show up for work, and trucks sit idle, and goods aren't moved, and the price of goods goes up. It's not good for anybody," continued Senator Schiff.

View photos from the Senator's visit below:

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