Yuma, AZ: Nearly 100 illegal aliens with commercial truck driver's licenses were arrested as a result of a large-scale operation involving multiple agencies, putting a dent in the human smuggling and drug transportation industry still occurring at the southern border.
According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), California accounted for approximately 80% of those arrested who were able to obtain state-issued CDLs.
California has been the center of increased scrutiny over its lax licensing requirements that led to several major accidents.
One of the most high-profile deadly cases occurred last year on Florida’s Turnpike.
The driver, who entered America illegally, had been living in California and was issued a California CDL. He was behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer in St. Lucie County, Florida, when authorities say he attempted an illegal U-turn through a median opening marked “Official Use Only.” The tractor-trailer was left blocking the northbound lanes, where an approaching minivan with three occupants crashed into it. All three were killed.
One of President Trump’s first objectives after taking office was to secure and control the border. Despite the major drop in illegal crossings, human and drug smuggling continues.
"We are committed to protecting our citizens from all international threats, whether that is from unlicensed or untrained drivers, or transnational criminal organizations engaged in human or drug trafficking," an Acting Chief Patrol Agent told the media.
Border crossings were recorded at over 144,000 towards the end of 2024 but have dramatically decreased to only 33,000 this summer.
However, the CBP reported that smugglers are still attempting high-level smuggling operations involving weapons, drugs, and even people into America.
Authorities were able to seize an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) from a vehicle attempting to cross. They also discovered dozens of immigrants who were packed in the back of a big rig, and took possession of a boat in the Caribbean with the aid of a military-grade helicopter.
Despite the multiple methods of transporting drugs and people into the United States, trucking continues to be a key method.
“According to CBP, the bust earlier this month, which took place between Aug. 10 and 14, also stopped two human-smuggling events, resulting in the arrest of four smugglers and 17 smuggled aliens. Additionally, agents seized 74 pounds of methamphetamine and 169 pounds of marijuana. In total, authorities arrested 143 suspects from 18 countries,” one source reported.
As media outlets continue to focus on different ways people are acquiring CDLs, the Department of Transportation has also taken notice and is implementing measures to ensure a better system is being put in place.
Their strategy would “limit CDLs to H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 nonimmigrant status holders” that are designed to make it more difficult to qualify and ensure higher quality candidates move forward.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has made numerous public statements denouncing poorly qualified CDL drivers and has committed to correcting systemic weaknesses.
"Under President Trump’s leadership, we are putting the safety of the driving public first," Duffy said in a statement. "From enforcing English language standards to holding fraudulent carriers accountable, we will continue to attack this crisis on our roads head-on."
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Writer and author Eddie Molina has over 25 years of combined LEO and military service. Learn more about his interview articles at www.eddiemolina.com.
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