A recent enforcement effort by Border Patrol agents in Arizona led to the arrest of 36 truck drivers in the U.S. illegally
During the week of May 11-15, Border Patrol agents from Yuma Sector arrested a total 52 individuals during Operation Checkmate for being in the U.S. illegally, according to a statement from agency.
"Of the 36 illegal alien semi-truck drivers arrested, 29 were in possession of commercial driver’s licenses from several states including California, New York, Washington, and Virginia. Three did not possess any form of driver’s license," the Border Patrol said in its statement.
Thirty of the individuals were from India, while the remaining six were from Mexico, El Salvador, and Russia. All individuals were processed in accordance with federal law and will be deported.
“Operation Checkmate reflects our commitment to safeguarding communities and roads from unlawfully present drivers who pose significant risks to public safety,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector Dustin W. Caudle.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has been at odds with several states over how they issue non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses. Audits performed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found numerous irregularities in several states, which were threatened with the loss of highway funds if not changed.
Groups seek action on cargo theft bill
The American Trucking Associations today delivered a coalition letter to the U.S. Senate, urging swift action to advance the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA).
Signed by 191 businesses and associations representing a wide range of industries, the letter underscores the urgent need for federal leadership in addressing the escalating threat of cargo theft, according to a statement from the ATA.
Last month, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed CORCA with strong bipartisan support. Now, industry leaders are calling on the Senate to build on this momentum and advance the legislation to the President’s desk.
Cargo theft is becoming increasingly prevalent and high-tech, and it often originates overseas. The American Transportation Research Institute calculated that cargo theft is costing the trucking industry over $18 million per day. Strategic theft, a category of crime that uses deception, identity theft, and fraudulent documentation to divert freight, has surged by 1,500% since 2021 according to CargoNet.
CORCA would help law enforcement connect the dots by enhancing legal frameworks; improving enforcement capabilities; and fostering coordination among federal, state, and local agencies. The Department of Homeland Security would be tasked with leading a cohesive national response to cargo theft.
Click here to read the coalition letter.
ICYM I
ATHS annual convention draws hundreds of trucks to MO next week
