The federal government has revealed that over 155,000 migrants have been convicted or charged with criminal traffic offenses, which coincides with a sharp rise in auto insurance costs across the country. According to a report by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), more than 77,000 migrants who were convicted of criminal traffic offenses remain undetained, while another 46,000 face charges. Additionally, 2,663 migrants have been convicted of vehicle theft, with many others facing similar charges, but ICE has not detained them. This rise in traffic offenses by migrants has led to increased accidents and vehicle thefts, further exacerbating the spike in insurance rates.

The connection between migrant drivers and rising auto insurance premiums is evident in places like Springfield, Ohio, where a 30% increase in rates has been linked to accidents involving recently arrived Haitian migrants. Springfield resident Dustin Geisel explained in a video how local auto insurance rates have skyrocketed because of numerous accidents caused by drivers unfamiliar with U.S. driving standards. Geisel’s frustration mirrors many other Americans facing soaring insurance costs.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine acknowledged the issue, noting that driving in Haiti is vastly different from the U.S. He emphasized the need for proper driver training for migrants, given that many have limited or no experience behind the wheel before arriving in the U.S.

Nationally, criminal traffic offenses have surged. U.S. courts reported a 49% increase in traffic-related charges in the year leading up to April 2023. Rising auto insurance rates have been particularly severe in states with high immigration rates. Auto insurance costs have climbed by 15% in the first half of 2023, with experts predicting continued increases. For example, drivers in Nevada are facing a 30% rate increase by November. States like California, Missouri, and Minnesota may see rates climb by over 50% next year due to additional factors like severe weather.

Auto insurance rates are lowest in low-immigration states, such as Maine, Idaho, and Vermont, and highest in states like Florida and Louisiana, where both migration and traffic-related crime contribute to rising premiums. Crime and accidents caused by poor or alienated migrant drivers are driving up insurance rates across the U.S. and even in Canada, where similar trends have been observed.