A multi-agency operation in Arizona's Yuma Sector has resulted in the apprehension of 95 individuals identified as illegal alien truck drivers, many possessing commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) issued by various states, including California and New York. The operation, which took place between August 10 and 14, targeted human and drug smuggling activities at the U.S. southern border.
According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), 76 of the apprehended drivers held licenses from California, six from New York, and the remaining drivers had licenses from a few other states. The bust also led to the seizure of 74 pounds of methamphetamine and 169 pounds of marijuana. Authorities arrested a total of 143 suspects from 18 different countries.
In addition to the drivers, the operation disrupted two human-smuggling events, leading to the arrest of four smugglers and 17 smuggled individuals. Officials stated that the bust demonstrates ongoing efforts by transnational criminal organizations to use commercial vehicles for smuggling operations, even as overall immigration numbers have seen a decrease in recent months.
Acting Chief Patrol Agent Dustin Caudle emphasized the commitment to protecting citizens from threats posed by unqualified drivers and criminal organizations. While border encounters have reportedly fallen from over 144,000 in December to around 33,000 in July, CBP has reported several significant smuggling attempts involving weapons, narcotics, and people.
In response to such schemes, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is reportedly finalizing a rule aimed at preventing unqualified drivers from obtaining CDLs. The proposed rule would limit CDL eligibility to holders of certain nonimmigrant visas, such as H-2A, H-2B, and E-2, which have more stringent vetting processes. It would also disallow Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) as proof of eligibility, citing concerns over reporting and scrutiny of their approvals.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the rule intends to ensure that unqualified foreign drivers cannot obtain licenses to operate large commercial trucks, prioritizing the safety of the public. Previous efforts under the Trump administration also targeted fraudulent trucking schools and aimed to enforce English language standards for drivers.