LAKEWOOD, N.J. — Assemblyman Paul Kanitra has released new data estimating that 1,158 undocumented immigrants hold New Jersey driver’s licenses listing Lakewood addresses, making the township one of the municipalities with the largest concentrations identified in his statewide report.
Kanitra’s report, compiled after months of OPRA requests and analysis of Motor Vehicle Commission affidavit data, maps the estimated distribution of undocumented driver’s license holders by municipality and legislative district. The report argues the figures provide one of the most detailed looks to date at where undocumented immigrants obtaining licenses under New Jersey law are concentrated.
Lakewood’s total ranks among the highest reported in Ocean County and comes as the township continues experiencing rapid population growth, increasing traffic congestion and mounting concerns over roadway safety.
Report links licensing data to immigration debate
New Jersey began issuing standard driver’s licenses to qualifying undocumented immigrants in 2021 under legislation signed by then-Gov. Phil Murphy.
Applicants who cannot demonstrate lawful immigration status may obtain a standard driver’s license if they satisfy identity, residency and other Motor Vehicle Commission requirements. Standard licenses cannot be used for federal identification purposes under the REAL ID Act.
Kanitra said his office spent six months collecting records and analyzing affidavits used during the licensing process.
“We spent six months meticulously gathering data, submitting OPRA requests and crunching numbers,” Kanitra said when releasing the report. “By pulling the actual affidavits illegals use to get driver’s licenses, we not only were able to definitively prove over 100,000 are crowding our roadways, but for the first time we can map where they live by ZIP code.”
The report has fueled renewed debate over New Jersey’s immigration policies and whether driver’s license records should play a larger role in public policy discussions.
Fatal Lakewood crash renewed focus on roadway safety
The report also arrives less than two years after one of Ocean County’s deadliest recent crashes.
Federal authorities allege Raul Luna-Perez, a Mexican national living in New Jersey, was driving approximately 60 mph with a blood-alcohol concentration nearly three times the legal limit when his SUV crossed a double yellow line on Cross Street in Lakewood and struck an oncoming vehicle in July 2025.
The collision killed 42-year-old Maria Santos Pleitez and her 11-year-old daughter, Dayanara Cortes, while seriously injuring another child passenger.
Authorities subsequently upgraded the charges against Luna-Perez to include aggravated manslaughter and strict liability vehicular homicide. Federal immigration authorities also lodged an immigration detainer in the case.
The case drew statewide attention after prosecutors alleged the defendant was unlawfully present in the United States.
Ocean County led New Jersey in traffic deaths
The fatal Lakewood crash occurred during a year in which Ocean County recorded the highest number of traffic fatalities in New Jersey.
According to New Jersey State Police statistics, Ocean County recorded 62 traffic deaths across 53 fatal crashes during 2025, leading all 21 counties despite statewide traffic fatalities declining approximately 15% from the previous year.
Ocean County also ranked second statewide in pedestrian fatalities with 17 deaths.
Transportation officials have cited several contributing factors, including rapid development in Lakewood and Jackson, increased traffic volumes, roadway designs originally intended for rural traffic, heavy pedestrian activity and high-speed arterial corridors including Route 9, Cross Street, Veterans Highway and Hope Chapel Road.
State and local agencies have since expanded traffic enforcement while advancing engineering improvements designed to reduce serious crashes.
Immigration policy remains political flashpoint
Kanitra has made immigration one of his signature legislative issues, arguing New Jersey should tighten immigration enforcement while increasing transparency surrounding undocumented immigrants residing in the state.
Notable Major Incidents Along the Corridor (2025–2026)
| Date | Location | Incident / Factors | Impact |
| May 2025 | N. Hope Chapel Rd / New Central Ave (Jackson/Lakewood line) | Fiery two-vehicle crash involving local teens. | 2 dead, 3 critically injured |
| July 2025 | Cross St & Hearthstone Dr (Lakewood) | Head-on collision caused by drunk/high driver passing over double yellow line at 60 mph. | 2 dead (mother & 11yo child) |
| October 2025 | E. Veterans Hwy / Westlake Ct (Jackson) | Head-on collision caused by pickup crossing center line, sparking vehicle fire. | 1 dead (16yo driver) |
| June 2026 | S. Hope Chapel Rd (Jackson) | Early morning fatality involving a pedestrian in the roadway and a commercial vehicle. | 1 dead |
His report estimates more than 100,000 undocumented immigrants have obtained driver’s licenses statewide and argues that the concentration of license holders is greatest in predominantly Democratic legislative districts.
Supporters of New Jersey’s licensing law have argued that allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses improves roadway safety by encouraging driver testing, licensing and insurance coverage regardless of immigration status.
Opponents argue the policy incentivizes unlawful immigration and raises broader public safety concerns.
The report is expected to further fuel debate in Trenton as lawmakers continue considering multiple immigration-related bills during the current legislative session.
- Assemblyman Paul Kanitra’s report estimates 1,158 undocumented immigrants hold driver’s licenses in Lakewood.
- The report was compiled using OPRA requests and MVC affidavit data, according to Kanitra.
- Lakewood was the site of a high-profile fatal DUI crash in 2025 involving a defendant later identified by federal authorities as unlawfully present in the United States.
- Ocean County recorded the highest number of traffic fatalities in New Jersey during 2025.
- New Jersey has allowed qualifying undocumented immigrants to obtain standard driver’s licenses since 2021.
FAQ
- How many undocumented driver’s license holders does the report estimate live in Lakewood?
- Kanitra’s report estimates 1,158.
- Does New Jersey allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses?
- Yes. Since 2021, qualifying applicants may obtain standard driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status if they meet state eligibility requirements.
- Did the report identify individual drivers?
- No. The report presents aggregated estimates based on records analyzed by Kanitra’s office.
- Has the state responded to the report?
- The article is based on Kanitra’s report. Any response from the Murphy or Sherrill administration, if provided, should be included in future updates.
Sources: Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, New Jersey State Police, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
