The Trump administration Monday launched yet another salvo at what they claim is fraud in the trucking industry, but focused primarily at foreign drivers who entered the U.S. illegally and trucker training schools that issued credentials illegally.
During a press conference in Detroit, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced what he called a "historic interagency effort to crack down on fraud in the trucking industry." The effort even has a name: Joint Task Force Crossroads of America.
Duffy was joined by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Administrator Derek Barrs. Also at the event were White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud Vice Chairman Andrew Ferguson, and U.S. Attorneys Jerome Gorgon (Eastern District of Michigan) and Adam Mildred (Northern District of Indiana).
Also there wre Marcus Coleman and his daughter Dalilah, who was critically injured in a 2024 crash with an illegal alien behind the wheel.
It was announced the task force will target criminal networks and fraud to reduce highway fatalities and protect Americans.
A statement issued Monday outlined the actions each task force partner have or will perform. They include:
USDOT
- Emergency removal of 110 CDL schools associated with more than 5,000 drivers who failed English language proficiency tests
- Launching a nationwide audit of third-party CDL skills testers and states’ oversight of the testers
- Results from 40-state investigation of additional training schools
DHS
- Synchronized single-day sweep targeting more than 200 training schools across 23 states
- HSI and ICE updates on ongoing investigations targeting CDL-related businesses and schools
DOJ
- Formation of Joint Task Force Crossroads of America
“USDOT has spent the last year-and-a-half strengthening the rules of the road and removing dangerous foreign drivers from our trucking industry,” said Duffy. “To fully root out the scourge of fraud, hold criminals accountable, and restore safety, we need the support of federal law enforcement. From states failing to follow the law to shady training schools and illicit companies, together we will tackle every link in the chain.”
Blaming what he called "sanctuary politicians" Mullin said, “... too many Americans have lost their lives because an illegal alien was behind the wheel. Our partnership with the Department of Transportation will help root out CDL fraud so that illegal aliens are no longer able to obtain CDLs and put American lives at risk"
In the statement issued Monday, Attorney General Todd Blanche\ said, “Foreigners and illegal aliens have exploited America’s trucking industry, often putting unqualified, improperly trained, non-English speaking drivers on our highways. Some may be hauling drugs or weapons for international crimes networks. The drivers and companies that allow for this dangerous activity will no longer get a pass."
One of the nation's largest trucking advocacy groups responded to Monday's press conference.
Todd Spencer, president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association said, "Nobody cares more about highway safety than professional truck drivers and it is basic common sense that anyone operating an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle on public roadways should be properly trained, able to read critical road signs, follow emergency instructions, and communicate with law enforcement and first responders in English.
"OOIDA and professional truck drivers across America commend Secretary Duffy and Administrator Barrs for taking concrete actions to crack down on fraudulent training operations and restore rigorous English language proficiency enforcement. Congress must now do its part and pass Dalilah’s Law to ensure CDL mills remain closed and English language proficiency enforcement is permanently made the law of the land.”
Here's the entire press conference:
