Alabama is the latest state to partner with federal efforts to identify and detain immigrants who may be in the country illegally and driving commercial motor vehicles.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Motor Carrier Safety Unit recently worked with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on two recent operations, which led to the detention of 82 individuals.
Since the collaboration began, the Motor Carrier Safety Unit assisted ICE during two inspection efforts. One was held Oct. 27 through Oct. 30, and the other occurred from Nov. 16 through Nov. 18. Additionally, ICE personnel have been integrated into ALEA’s routine commercial vehicle enforcement assignments when available, according to a statement from the office of Gov. Kay Ivey.
“Alabama is leading the way when it comes to going after illegal bad actors in trucking," aid Ivy. "I’m proud of ALEA for taking decisive action and grateful for our strong partnership with ICE. Alabama will not look the other way while illegal immigration and illegal operators threaten the safety of our communities or undermine the integrity of our trucking industry."
As part of its targeted enforcement strategy, ALEA focused on high-crash rural interstate corridors, where commercial vehicle traffic is heavy and safety risks are elevated. Since the partnership began, some 242 individuals encountered during CMV inspections have been referred to ICE for immigration status checks. Of those, ICE detained 82 individuals based on their immigration status. Among the 82 detained, 12 did not have a driver's license of any kind and the remaining held out-of-state licenses.
Alabama Trucking Association President & CEO Mark Colson praised the coordinated efforts and emphasized their importance to the industry.
“Alabama’s trucking industry is built on the hard work of family-owned small businesses and professional drivers who follow the rules and operate safely, but a growing number of illegal operators and bad actors who exploit regulatory loopholes are compromising safety and undercutting hard working Alabamians who move our economy,” said Colson.
Governor Ivey and ALEA will continue prioritizing coordinated enforcement actions to protect Alabama’s roadways, uphold state and federal laws and ensure the safety of all who travel throughout the state.
