US authorities have arrested 30 Indian nationals who were allegedly living in the country illegally.
while working as commercial truck drivers, as part of a federal enforcement operation targeting unauthorized drivers operating heavy vehicles.
According to a statement issued by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Sector in Arizona arrested 52 individuals during “Operation Checkmate,” conducted between May 11 and May 15. The operation focused on identifying people residing illegally in the United States who were employed as commercial vehicle operators.
Of the 52 individuals arrested, 36 were found to be driving semi-trucks. Among them, 30 were Indian nationals, while the remaining six were citizens of Mexico, El Salvador and Russia.
Authorities said several of those arrested possessed commercial driver’s licenses issued by states including California, New York, Washington and Virginia. Others allegedly did not have any valid driver’s license.
CBP said many of the individuals were carrying employment authorization documents that had been issued under previous immigration programs but were no longer valid. Officials stated that all those detained were being processed under federal immigration laws and would face deportation proceedings.
What Is Operation Checkmate?
Operation Checkmate is a federal initiative aimed at identifying and removing individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States and operating commercial motor vehicles.
Announcing the results of the operation, Acting Chief Patrol Agent Dustin Caudle of the Yuma Sector said the initiative was intended to improve road safety and ensure compliance with immigration laws.
“Operation Checkmate reflects our commitment to safeguarding communities and roads from unlawfully present drivers who pose significant risks to public safety,” Caudle said.
He added that federal agents continue to monitor commercial transportation routes across the country to identify unauthorized drivers and reduce the risk of serious road accidents.
Immigration Enforcement Intensifies
The arrests come amid broader efforts by the administration of US President Donald Trump to tighten immigration enforcement and strengthen regulations governing commercial vehicle operators.
The US Department of Transportation has also introduced measures aimed at preventing unqualified foreign nationals from obtaining licenses to operate commercial trucks and buses.
The latest operation follows several recent cases in which truck drivers of Indian origin were arrested or charged in connection with fatal road accidents in the United States, bringing increased scrutiny to licensing, immigration status and safety compliance within the commercial transportation sector.
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