The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) are investigating trucking schools for issuing fraudulent licenses. This investigation targets improper certifications and falsified records, with a focus on the issuance of commercial driver’s licenses to non-citizens. The initiative responds to several fatal truck accidents involving illegal immigrants, highlighting serious safety issues on U.S. roads.
On Sunday, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy hinted at an upcoming announcement concerning a significant crackdown on fraud. In a social media post, Duffy stated that there would be an announcement regarding an “unprecedented fraud crackdown” on Monday.
TOMORROW: UNPRECEDENTED FRAUD CRACKDOWN,Duffy wrote.
The post included tags for Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Justice, and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. This suggests a coordinated, multi-department effort targeting fraud across various areas.
The upcoming announcement is part of the administration’s broader attempts to combat fraud. President Trump established the White House Task Force in March to improve coordination on efforts involving federal benefit programs. The Department of Justice has also launched a National Fraud Enforcement Division to investigate and prosecute fraud involving taxpayer dollars.
In collaboration with DHS, the DOT has intensified scrutiny of fraud and safety violations in the commercial trucking industry. This includes addressing improperly issued commercial driver’s licenses, fraudulent driving schools, and unvetted foreign drivers.
In July, the agencies announced a joint investigation into about 75 commercial driving schools suspected of engaging in fraudulent activities, such as falsifying training records and improperly certifying drivers. They have also undertaken roadside enforcement operations aimed at unqualified foreign commercial drivers.