In a recent operation in Arizona’s Yuma Sector, 95 truck drivers were arrested for being illegal aliens. This effort, spearheaded by multiple agencies, tackled human and drug smuggling at the U.S. southern border.
According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), each driver held a state-issued commercial driver’s license. California accounted for 76 licenses, New York had six, and the remainder were from various other states.
“We are committed to protecting our citizens from all international threats,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Dustin Caudle.
He emphasized the agency’s focus on unlicensed drivers and criminal organizations engaged in smuggling activities.
Despite a decline in border crossings since the end of 2024—from 144,000 encounters in December to 33,000 in July—the CBP continues to intercept significant smuggling attempts. Recent cases involved weapons, narcotics, and humans being smuggled across the border.
In one instance, CBP stopped a car carrying a rocket-propelled grenade launcher. Another involved dozens of immigrants found in a semi-truck, and a Black Hawk helicopter assisted in detaining a boat near the Dominican Republic.
The use of trucks is a prevalent method for smuggling. The recent operation between August 10 and 14 resulted in two human-smuggling incidents, leading to the arrest of four smugglers and 17 illegal aliens. Additionally, agents seized 74 pounds of methamphetamine and 169 pounds of marijuana. Overall, authorities apprehended 143 individuals from 18 countries.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) plans to address the issue by finalizing a rule that restricts CDLs to holders of H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 nonimmigrant statuses. This rule aims to ensure stricter vetting.
The rule would also eliminate the use of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as a means of proving eligibility. This decision arises from concerns about inadequate scrutiny and reporting for EAD approvals.
“Moving forward, unqualified foreign drivers will be unable to get a license,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
He stressed the importance of putting public safety first, crediting the Trump administration for enforcing language standards and holding fraudulent carriers accountable.
Leo Briceno, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, contributed to this report.
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