Multi-Agency Operation Arrests 95 Illegal Alien Truck Drivers in Arizona

A recent operation in Arizona’s Yuma Sector resulted in the arrest of 95 truck drivers involved in illegal activities at the U.S. southern border. This operation targeted both human and drug smuggling efforts.

The drivers captured all possessed state-issued commercial driver’s licenses. Out of the total, 76 licenses were from California, six from New York, and the remainder from various states according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Despite a significant decrease in overall immigration numbers, the volume of smuggling operations remains high. As an illustration, since the end of 2024, border crossings dropped from over 144,000 in December to just 33,000 in July, yet CBP still handles several high-profile smuggling attempts.

“We are committed to protecting our citizens from all international threats,” stated Acting Chief Patrol Agent Dustin Caudle. He emphasized the ongoing battle against criminal organizations engaged in trafficking activities.

Earlier in the year, CBP stopped several major smuggling attempts. These included a car with a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and multiple incidents of illegal immigrants crammed into trucks.

Trucking remains a popular method for smuggling both people and weapons into the U.S. The August operation, spanning four days, thwarted two human-smuggling attempts, resulting in four smugglers and 17 smuggled individuals being detained. Additionally, agents seized substantial quantities of methamphetamine and marijuana. In total, 143 suspects from 18 different countries were arrested.

To combat these illegal activities, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is working on a regulation limiting commercial driving licenses (CDLs) to certain visa holders, such as those with H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 nonimmigrant status. This rule would exclude Employment Authorization Document (EAD) holders due to inadequate vetting processes.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, discussing the impending rule, expressed the administration’s dedication to preventing unqualified drivers from obtaining licenses to operate heavy-duty trucks.