An illegal immigrant from India who obtained a California commercial driver’s license through a federal work permit now sits in ICE custody after Pennsylvania authorities arrested him for allegedly hauling nearly $3 million in stolen tungsten oxide powder, a material used in armor-piercing ammunition and advanced military technology.
The Arrest and Allegations
Pennsylvania law enforcement arrested Deepak Kumar, 31, after discovering 10 pallets of stolen tungsten oxide powder valued at $2,857,500 in his big rig. The shipment belonged to Mitsubishi Materials Corporation and was scheduled for pickup on June 24. Kumar, a Fresno-based trucker, faced theft charges before being transferred to McFarland, California, where he remains in federal immigration custody awaiting further proceedings.
A Fresno man was arrested in Indiana after police tracked his vehicle using the Flock camera system in connection with the theft of cargo worth nearly $3 million. He was transferred to McFarland, California, where he remains in ICE custody.https://t.co/5ONFzq9BTL
— FOX26 News (@KMPHFOX26) July 22, 2026
The stolen material has significant defense applications. Tungsten oxide powder serves as a key component in armor-piercing rounds, advanced ceramics, laser technology, optical products, and specialized high-tech windows used in military and industrial applications. The theft of such a substantial quantity raises concerns about supply chain security and the potential diversion of dual-use materials.
California’s Controversial Licensing Policy
Kumar obtained his California commercial driver’s license legally because he possessed a valid federal Employment Authorization Document during Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration. California policy allows migrants with federally issued work permits to secure commercial driving credentials, a practice critics now challenge as creating dangerous vulnerabilities. Opponents argue the state functions as a sanctuary jurisdiction for truckers by converting temporary federal work documents into state commercial licenses for undocumented immigrants.
This case amplifies ongoing debates about California’s immigration policies and their intersection with public safety. Critics contend Sacramento created a loophole by granting full commercial driving privileges based solely on temporary federal employment authorization, potentially exposing the state’s transportation infrastructure and supply chains to heightened security risks. The controversy extends beyond this single incident, touching broader questions about state versus federal authority in immigration enforcement.
Broader Enforcement Actions
Federal immigration authorities continue highlighting arrests involving illegal immigrants throughout California. The US Border Patrol’s El Centro Sector recently announced agents from its Indio station arrested an illegal immigrant from Mexico working in agriculture near Thermal, California, who had a criminal history. The enforcement action generated supportive responses online, with social media users praising ICE agents for carrying out their duties. One commenter wrote that such enforcement reflects what voters demanded at the ballot box.
