MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) \u2014 Driving without a valid license is leading to more arrests across parts of the Treasure Coast as Florida continues tightening immigration and driver\u2019s license rules.<\/p>\n
The Martin County Sheriff\u2019s Office<\/a> told CBS12 anyone caught driving without a valid license, regardless of immigration status<\/a>, can face arrest.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you don’t have a license, don’t drive,\u201d the agency said in a statement.<\/p>\n The issue has become a growing concern for law enforcement, attorneys, and drivers across Florida as questions continue over road safety, immigration enforcement, and access to transportation.<\/p>\n Florida has strengthened several driver\u2019s license requirements in recent years, including requiring applicants to take the written driving exam in English<\/a> and provide additional immigration-related documentation to qualify for a license.<\/p>\n Immigration attorney Richard Hujber said the changes are making it harder for some immigrants to legally obtain licenses for the first time.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s no interpreters, there\u2019s no translations being done,\u201d Hujber said. \u201cYou better know how to read and write and speak English to be able to pass this test.\u201d<\/p>\n Hujber said many of his clients previously relied on translated testing assistance or had limited literacy skills.<\/p>\n \u201cI had clients that would not be able to fill out an intake sheet in my office, and yet they\u2019d be able to get these driver\u2019s licenses,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He also acknowledged concerns surrounding public safety and unlicensed drivers on the road.<\/p>\n See also: Ex-Florida conversion therapy leader arrested in child predator sting<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cIf you don\u2019t have a driver\u2019s license, you shouldn\u2019t be driving,\u201d Hujber said. \u201cI tell that to my clients all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n Hujber said the issue is not always black and white, explaining some immigrants may be legally waiting on asylum claims, work permits, or immigration cases that can take years to resolve.<\/p>\n At the same time, he said many people in Florida still need vehicles to work, take children to school, and attend medical appointments because of limited public transportation.<\/p>\n \u201cThis isn\u2019t like New York City where you have reliable trains and subways,\u201d Hujber said. \u201cYou drive in Florida for the most part.\u201d<\/p>\n The attorney also said more local law enforcement agencies are now working alongside federal immigration authorities through programs like 287(g), which allows certain officers to assist with immigration enforcement.<\/p>\n He claims that this has led to more ICE holds and immigration detentions following routine traffic stops.<\/p>\n