A recent federal enforcement operation in Arizona led to the arrest of numerous truck drivers officials labeled as "illegal aliens."
In a statement today, the U.S. Border Patrol said it conducted a multi-agency operation with local Stonegarden law enforcement officers during the week of Aug. 10-14 that targeted human and drug smuggling. As a result of the operation, Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Sector and supporting law enforcement agencies arrested 143 people from 18 countries.
During the week, 95 truck drivers the Border Patrol said were "illegal aliens" were arrested, all of whom possessed a state-issued commercial driver’s license. Of these, 76 were in possession of a California CDL, six were in possession of a New York CDL; and the remainder were from other states, according to the Border Patrol.
California and New York are among states singled out by the Department of Transportation for frequent criticism for their policies regarding issuing non-domiciled CDLs.
Agents also interdicted two human-smuggling events, which resulted in the arrest of four smugglers and 17 smuggled aliens. Additionally, agents seized a firearm, 74 pounds of methamphetamine, and 169 pounds of marijuana.
