DETROIT, MICHIGAN — Federal agencies across the Departments of Transportation, Homeland Security, and Justice announced a coordinated interagency effort Monday targeting fraud in the commercial trucking industry, including the emergency shutdown of more than 110 CDL training schools, the formation of a new multi-state task force, and a synchronized sweep of more than 200 driving schools across 23 states.
The announcement was made in Detroit by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs, White House Fraud Task Force Vice Chairman Andrew Ferguson, and U.S. Attorneys from the Eastern District of Michigan and Northern District of Indiana.
Department of Transportation Actions
FMCSA announced the emergency removal of more than 110 Entry-Level Driver Training providers from its Training Provider Registry, linked to more than 5,000 drivers who failed English language proficiency tests. Those schools must immediately cease all training operations.
In July, FMCSA sent 175 investigators into 40 states to conduct nearly 400 investigations of ELDT providers. Investigators found training ranges without adequate space, instructors without proper licenses, facilities with no assessment records, and at least one provider claiming its classroom was inside a school bus parked in the back of a trailer. More than 160 notices of proposed removal were issued as a result. Drivers certified by those providers are linked to 239 commercial vehicle fatalities.
FMCSA is also launching a nationwide audit of third-party CDL skills testers and the states that oversee them. CDL skills tests are required to be administered in English, yet more than 28,000 drivers have been placed out of service for English language proficiency violations since June 2025. States found non-compliant face a corrective action process that can result in the withholding of federal highway funds — starting at 4% in the first year and rising to 8% for each subsequent year — and potential decertification, which would prevent a state from issuing, renewing, transferring, or upgrading any CDLs.
Since June 2025, USDOT has removed more than 28,000 drivers for failing English proficiency requirements, forced states to cancel more than 30,000 licenses illegally issued to foreign drivers, and removed more than 8,000 unqualified training schools from the FMCSA registry.
Department of Homeland Security Actions
On August 31, HSI conducted a synchronized surge at more than 200 driving schools across 23 states, serving Notices of Inspection at CDL-related businesses, schools, carriers, and employers. HSI has disseminated more than 1,000 CDL-related business leads, issued more than 80 Notices of Inspection, and opened multiple investigations identifying fraudulent CDL issuance, unauthorized employment, identity fraud, shell companies, and transportation sector exploitation.
Active HSI investigations include a trucking company suspected of using B1/B2 visa holders for domestic cargo transport — three drivers arrested and firearms seized — state DMV employees suspected of accepting payments to help individuals bypass CDL requirements, a freight company linked to the death of a law enforcement officer, and medical practitioners suspected of improperly certifying medical exams required to obtain CDLs.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations is running three named operations targeting the commercial trucking sector. Operation ICE Wall targets trucking companies and drivers with final removal orders. Operation Guardrail focuses on individuals holding CDLs in violation of immigration law. Operation Freightliner coordinates with 287(g) partners to locate and interdict individuals operating commercial vehicles unlawfully.
Department of Justice Actions
The DOJ announced the formation of the Joint Task Force Crossroads of America, pairing U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio with state, local, and federal partners including the FBI, DEA, HSI, ICE, ATF, and FMCSA. The task force is focused on enhancing roadway safety, reducing fatalities and serious injuries, deterring illegal trucking practices, and holding accountable those who exploit the commercial transportation system.
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