Crackdown on Undocumented Immigrant Truck Drivers in Texas
Governor Greg Abbott announced on Thursday the arrest of 31 undocumented immigrant truck drivers along Interstate 40, stemming from a targeted operation by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in collaboration with federal authorities. Many of these individuals held commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) issued in California. This initiative aimed to address concerns about dubious CDLs and unsafe vehicles, aligning with Abbott’s ongoing caution against California’s licensing approaches for undocumented immigrants.
“Millions of Texans are on our roads every day,” Abbott stated. “When illegal immigrants drive without proper authorization, they put countless lives at risk. This operation will help remove such drivers and unsafe vehicles from our streets. While states like California issue licenses to illegal immigrants, jeopardizing American lives, Texas will collaborate with federal partners to enhance roadway safety.”
The operation took place on Veterans Day in the Texas Panhandle, with a focus on identifying individuals with questionable licenses. DPS officers worked alongside agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Administration inspectors to recognize illegal drivers.
Over the course of one day, 105 vehicles were inspected in Wheeler County, leading to the identification of 31 CDL holders reported to be in the U.S. illegally. Most of these licenses were traced back to California.
The governor’s office emphasized that none of the licenses were issued in Texas.
Back in September, Abbott had instructed the DPS to enforce strict English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers. This order came after a report highlighting that Texas had the highest rate of CDL holders receiving “cease and desist” orders due to insufficient English skills.
Spokesman Andrew Maharelis noted that Abbott expects compliance with an executive order from President Trump mandating that commercial drivers must be fluent in English.
On Thursday, Abbott reiterated the importance of enforcing federal safety regulations across the board, whether drivers are operating within Texas or crossing state lines. “This will ensure Texans’ safety while keeping our economy thriving,” he said.
Shannon Everett, a spokeswoman for American Truckers United, expressed appreciation for the governor’s efforts, indicating that effective policy implementation could lead to improved safety on highways nationwide. She stated, “If the appropriate people hear this message, the right decisions will follow.”
Breitbart News has covered significant incidents involving truck drivers who failed English proficiency tests, some leading to serious accidents. Everett criticized the prioritization of cheap labor over safety, arguing that the problem began in Texas but extended nationwide as non-compliant drivers spread across the country.
Two recent fatal accidents involving foreign CDL holders have heightened the urgency of this issue. One incident in June involved a Cuban immigrant charged with manslaughter after allegedly falling asleep at the wheel and colliding with stopped vehicles. Another crash near Austin also resulted in serious charges against a foreign driver.
