CBP arrests 95 illegal truck drivers in Yuma Sector smuggling bust

Key Points:

• A multi-agency operation in Arizona’s Yuma Sector led to the arrest of 95 illegal alien truck drivers, many holding state-issued commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), highlighting ongoing human and drug smuggling at the U.S. southern border.
• Despite a significant drop in border crossings from over 144,000 in December 2024 to 33,000 in July, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to intercept high-profile smuggling attempts involving weapons, narcotics, and humans.
• The recent bust between August 10-14 also resulted in the arrest of four smugglers and 17 smuggled aliens, seizure of 74 pounds of methamphetamine and 169 pounds of marijuana, and a total of 143 suspects detained from 18 countries.
• The Department of Transportation (DOT) is finalizing a rule to restrict CDLs to certain visa holders (H-2A, H-2B, E-2) with stricter vetting, and will no longer accept Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to curb unqualified foreign drivers from operating large trucks.
• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that the new rule aims to enhance road safety by preventing unqualified foreign drivers from obtaining licenses, continuing efforts initiated under President Trump’s administration.