Immigration Crackdown In Arizona: Indian Nationals Among Commercial Drivers Arrested
US authorities have arrested 52 individuals living and working in the country without legal authorisation during a targeted immigration enforcement operation in Arizona, with 30 Indian nationals among those detained.
The operation, named “Operation Checkmate“, was conducted by US Border Patrol agents in Arizona’s Yuma Sector between May 11 and May 15. According to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the enforcement drive focused on identifying individuals unlawfully present in the country who were employed as commercial truck drivers.
Of the 52 people arrested, 36 were working as semi-truck drivers at the time of their detention. Officials said 30 of those drivers were Indian nationals, while the remaining detainees included citizens of Mexico, El Salvador and Russia.
Commercial Driving Licences Under Scrutiny
Authorities said many of the individuals possessed commercial driving licences issued by various US states, including California, New York, Washington and Virginia. However, investigators found that some drivers did not hold valid licences, while others were using employment authorisation documents that had either expired or were no longer legally valid.
US officials said the operation was aimed at improving highway safety and ensuring compliance with immigration laws, particularly among operators of heavy commercial vehicles.
Deportation Proceedings Underway
All individuals arrested during the operation have been processed under federal immigration laws and are expected to face deportation proceedings.
Acting Yuma Sector Chief Patrol Agent Dustin Caudle said the operation reflected efforts to protect public safety by identifying individuals who are not legally authorised to work in the country while operating large commercial vehicles.
New Rules For Commercial Drivers
US authorities also noted that transport regulations have recently been tightened to prevent unqualified foreign nationals from obtaining commercial driving licences.
Officials pointed to several recent incidents involving Indian-origin truck drivers who were arrested or charged in connection with fatal road accidents, saying the latest enforcement measures are intended to strengthen oversight and improve safety standards across the transportation sector.
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