PALO VERDE, CALIFORNIA — A Mexican national truck driver was arrested and had his B1/B2 visa revoked after Border Patrol agents at the Highway 78 checkpoint near Palo Verde, California discovered he was illegally transporting a commercial load of produce from Yuma, Arizona to Grandview, Washington — a violation of U.S. cabotage laws.
The arrest occurred on March 12, 2026, when Blythe, Arizona Border Patrol agents stopped the driver at the checkpoint. Agents determined he was engaged in cabotage by hauling freight between two domestic U.S. points, which violated the conditions of his B1/B2 visa. His visa was revoked and he was processed for deportation.
Cabotage laws reserve domestic transportation of goods and passengers between U.S. points exclusively for U.S. companies and workers. “Cabotage laws regulate the transportation of goods or passengers between two points within the United States by foreign carriers or drivers. These laws are designed to ensure that domestic transportation services are reserved for U.S. companies and workers, preventing unfair competition from foreign entities,” U.S. Border Patrol said. “By enforcing these laws, Border Patrol agents help preserve opportunities for U.S. truck drivers and transportation companies, ensuring that American workers remain competitive in the marketplace.”
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