YUMA, ARIZONA — A weeklong multi-agency operation in the Yuma Sector targeting human and drug smuggling resulted in 143 arrests from 18 countries during the week of August 10 through 14, including 95 illegal alien truck drivers found to be in possession of state-issued commercial driver’s licenses.
U.S. Border Patrol conducted the operation alongside local Stonegarden Law Enforcement Partners. Of the 95 truck drivers arrested, 76 held California CDLs, six held New York CDLs, and the remainder held licenses from other states.
Beyond the CDL arrests, agents interdicted two human smuggling events resulting in the arrest of four smugglers and 17 smuggled individuals. Agents also seized a firearm, 74 pounds of methamphetamine, and 169 pounds of marijuana during the week.
“We are committed to protecting our citizens from all international threats, whether that is from unlicensed or untrained drivers, or transnational criminal organizations engaged in human or drug trafficking,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Dustin W. Caudle of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector.
The Department of Transportation has issued a final rule aimed at preventing unqualified foreign drivers from obtaining licenses to operate commercial trucks and buses. Border Patrol said it is working with federal partners to enforce the rule and restore integrity to the nation’s transportation system.
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