In November alone, federal and state authorities apprehended around 250 foreign commercial truck drivers, raising alarms that cartel operatives and foreign individuals are exploiting the U.S. commercial driver licensing system, thereby jeopardizing national security.
A sweeping enforcement action aimed at foreign drivers holding commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) resulted in the detainment of nearly 250 drivers across states including Arizona, Indiana, Wyoming, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, as well as New York and California. This operation, directed by federal authorities following instructions from President Donald Trump and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, aims to remove these potentially risky drivers from U.S. highways. Many of those arrested were found to be in the country unlawfully.
- In Arizona, an Uzbek man driving a commercial vehicle caused an accident and was subsequently arrested by Border Patrol.
- In Indiana, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that 146 truck drivers were detained after a fatal crash involving a foreign CDL holder ignited public anger. Officials indicated that cartel networks are “exploiting loopholes in the CDL system to move contraband and operatives across interstate corridors.”
- In Wyoming, an operation dubbed Safe Haul, active from November 18-20, led to the arrest of 40 individuals and the removal of numerous trucks from the roads due to safety violations such as faulty brakes and falsified documents. ICE officials cautioned that “foreign nationals operating 40-ton rigs without proper vetting poses a direct threat to homeland security.”
- In Texas, 31 drivers were arrested along Interstate 40 in Wheeler County, many of whom held California-issued CDLs despite lacking legal residency. Governor Greg Abbott criticized California’s licensing practices, stating, “Cartel operatives are exploiting that loophole to drive unchecked through Texas.”
- In New York, Border Patrol detained 30 drivers on a highway near Buffalo, claiming the arrests signal a “national security breach waiting to happen.”
- There were also notable arrests in Kansas and California involving individuals connected to terrorism investigations.
This crackdown is part of President Trump’s broader strategy to deport up to 200,000 foreign CDL holders from the trucking industry, based on concerns that cartel groups and hostile entities could potentially weaponize large trucks or use them for smuggling along essential cargo routes.
A specific case highlighted the national security risks, as Kansas authorities arrested an Uzbek national, involved with a known terrorist group, on November 9. ICE agents apprehended 31-year-old Akrol Bozorov, found driving a commercial vehicle with a Pennsylvania-issued CDL. He had entered the U.S. illegally in February 2023 and had been wanted in Uzbekistan for suspected terrorist activities.
“Wanted terrorist Akhror Bozorov was not only released by the Biden administration, he was also granted a commercial driver’s license by Governor Shapiro’s Pennsylvania,” stated Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security.
McLaughlin further remarked, “It’s obvious that terrorist illegal aliens shouldn’t be driving 18-wheelers on American roads.” She emphasized that many have been allowed into the U.S. under the current administration. Meanwhile, President Trump and Secretary Noem have activated ICE to pinpoint these national security dangers.
Several days later, reports emerged of another illegal Uzbek immigrant who crashed a commercial vehicle into another car on Interstate 10 near Quartzsite, Arizona. This individual, arrested by Border Patrol, had multiple licenses from New York and Ohio.
Illegal entry occurred in April 2023 during heightened border issues, and an immigration judge ordered his removal in July 2025, but he disregarded the ruling.
At the end of November, Texas Governor Greg Abbott revealed that 31 illegal alien truck drivers had been arrested, with many holding licenses from Sanctuary California.
“Millions of Texans navigate our highways every day,” Governor Abbott said, adding, “When illegal immigrants break the law and drive on our roads, they jeopardize the lives of countless Texans and Americans.”
“While liberal states like California issue permits to illegal immigrants and put American lives at risk, Texas is collaborating with our federal partners to maintain road safety, arrest illegal immigrants, and safeguard our communities,” he concluded.
Enforcement against illegal immigrants operating commercial vehicles persists, as Border Patrol apprehended a 25-year-old Indian national at an immigration checkpoint after discovering a New York-issued commercial license. This individual had entered the U.S. illegally in 2023 and was also released under the current administration. Deportation proceedings are underway.
Critics of the crackdown argue that it could disrupt supply chains and overwhelm already taxed immigration courts. However, proponents maintain that the risks posed by cartel infiltration and potential terrorism overshadow these economic concerns.
Despite some federal judges blocking certain emergency rules from President Trump, the raids are extending nationwide. DHS officials assert a clear message: foreign CDL drivers are now viewed as significant national security threats.
