The federal government continued its crusade against foreign truck drivers with a concentrated, multi-agency enforcement operation recently.
In a three-day operation July 28-30, inspectors from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state highway patrols, conducted roadside checks to crack down on illegal, unvetted drivers and unsafe vehicles.
The enforcement effort was held in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Iowa.
Over the course of those three days, called Operation Highway Shield, a statement issued by the agencies said law enforcement officers:
- Detained 51 illegal immigrants, including 21 drivers with non-domiciled commercial driver licenses issued by California and New York, which have been targeted by the DOT
- Placed 766 drivers and vehicles out of service
- Arrested 86 operators for what the agencies called "dangerous behavior" (including road rage and domestic violence)
- Issued 36 violations for failing English Language Proficiency tests
- Recovered nearly $1 million in stolen cargo
Last month, DHS and DOT partnered to investigate fraudulent and illegal practices in CDL schools.
