Border Patrol Arrests Nearly 100 Truck Drivers in Operation
U.S. Border Patrol agents and supporting law enforcement agencies arrested 143 people during a five-day enforcement operation in Arizona’s Yuma Sector, including 95 truck drivers who authorities said were unauthorized to remain in the United States and held state-issued commercial driver’s licenses.
Operation Focused on Smuggling and Highway Safety
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the operation targeted human smuggling, drug smuggling and highway safety concerns along the U.S.-Mexico border. The individuals arrested represented 18 countries.
Acting Yuma Sector Chief Patrol Agent Dustin Caudle said the operation was intended in part to protect the public from drivers who may be unlicensed or untrained, as well as from criminal smuggling organizations.
Most CDL Holders Had California Licenses
Of the 95 truck drivers arrested, 76 held commercial driver’s licenses issued by California, while six had New York-issued CDLs. The remaining drivers held licenses issued by other states, according to Border Patrol.
CBP described the drivers as unauthorized immigrants operating commercial vehicles with state-issued credentials. The agency did not provide additional details about the individual cases or the status of the licenses.
Additional Enforcement Activity
Border Patrol said the operation also resulted in arrests connected to human smuggling and the seizure of methamphetamine, marijuana and a firearm.
The Yuma Sector has been the site of multiple enforcement operations involving commercial drivers in recent months. CBP officials said more than 130 truck drivers holding commercial driver’s licenses have been arrested in two operations in the area since May.
