OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The “Stand With Dalilah” wrapped semi truck makes its first stop in Oklahoma in honor of the memory of Dalilah Coleman who suffered catastrophic injuries after a semi-truck crash.
“We were honored to welcome the Stand With Dalilah truck to the Oklahoma State Capitol yesterday,” the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) said. “Oklahoma was chosen as the first stop because our state was the first to take action by passing the Oklahoma Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act of 2025.”
Dalilah’s Law
“Dalilah’s Law” passed the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee on March 18.
The bill, introduced Rep. David Rouzer, is supported by the Owner-Operators Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), the American Trucking Associations, Truckload Carriers Association, National Tank Truck Carriers and state trucking associations across the country.
Operation Guardian
According to OHP, since September 2025, the OHP has worked to bring attention to this issue through targeted enforcement operations. Through Operation Guardian, troopers continue efforts to identify and stop illegal immigrants operating commercial motor vehicles on Oklahoma roadways.
“Since the start of this initiative, troopers have removed approximately 500 illegal immigrants operating these CMVs from our roads,” OHP said. “Each of these stops represents a direct effort to increase safety for Oklahomans and those traveling through our state. We may never know how many crashes were prevented or lives were saved, but proactive enforcement like this plays a critical role in reducing risk and protecting the public. Dalilah’s story underscores why this work matters—preventable tragedies like this are exactly what we are working to stop. Troopers were proud to escort the Stand With Dalilah truck to the state line as it continues its journey to Louisville, Ky, before its final stop in Washington, D.C. The safety of Oklahomans remains our top priority, and every enforcement action reflects our commitment to protecting those who travel our roadways.”
Background
In June 2024, five-year-old Dalilah Coleman suffered catastrophic, life-altering injuries when an illegal immigrant driving an eighteen-wheeler caused a six-car pileup. She endured a traumatic brain injury, skull fractures, a broken femur and weeks in a coma. While Coleman survived her injuries, she lives with permanent neurological damage and requires lifelong care.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), an Indian national, Partap Singh crossed into the United States illegally through the Mexico border in 2022, was arrested after allegedly causing the crash.
Dalilah and her father were recognized during President Trump’s State of the Union address, during which he called for a federal ban on states issuing CDLs to individuals who lack legal status, with strict English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements so drivers can read road signs and communicate with law enforcement.
The bill, H.R. 5688, is named in her honor.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
