Authorities in Arizona’s Yuma Sector arrested 95 illegal truck drivers in a multi-agency operation targeting smuggling activities at the U.S. southern border. These arrests demonstrate ongoing threats despite a decrease in immigration numbers.
Driver Arrests and Licenses
The drivers, who had obtained state-issued commercial licenses, included 76 from California, six from New York, and others from various states. The arrests highlight the high volume of narcotics and human trafficking at the border.
We are committed to protecting our citizens from all international threats, whether from unlicensed drivers or transnational criminal organizations engaged in trafficking.
Despite immigration numbers dropping from over 144,000 in December 2024 to 33,000 in July, high-profile smuggling attempts persist. These include attempts to bring weapons and humans across the border.
Recent Smuggling Incidents
Earlier in the year, authorities stopped a car carrying a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and detained a boat with a Black Hawk helicopter’s help. In El Paso, a truck was discovered with 58 illegal migrants.
Trucking remains a critical method for smugglers. Between Aug. 10 and 14, the operation stopped two human-smuggling events, arresting four smugglers and 17 smuggled individuals. Authorities seized 74 pounds of methamphetamine and 169 pounds of marijuana and arrested 143 suspects from 18 countries.
New Rules for Commercial Driver’s Licenses
The Department of Transportation is finalizing a rule to curb unqualified drivers from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The rule will limit CDLs to specific visa holders with stringent vetting.
The move will prevent the use of Employment Authorization Documents as proof of eligibility due to lax reporting.
Moving forward, unqualified foreign drivers will be unable to operate big rigs.
Under President Trump’s direction, new measures emphasize road safety by enforcing English language standards and holding fraudulent carriers accountable.
Leo Briceno contributes to Fox News Digital as a politics reporter.