December 18, 2025 7:01 AM, EST
Key Takeaways:
Heightened federal scrutiny of states’ enforcement of commercial driver licensing laws and English proficiency standards has driven state police to partner with ICE for operations targeting drivers who violate these laws.
The crackdown, spearheaded by Secretary Duffy, alters the enforcement landscape for foreign truckers, specifically regarding the issuance of commercial driver licenses and permits to individuals without permanent U.S. residency.
The qualification of foreign truck drivers became a priority for Duffy and Trump following the April executive order titled “Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers.” This order emphasizes English as the U.S. national language and classifies English communication skills as essential for professional drivers, citing their need to comprehend traffic signs and instructions in English.
ICE Partnership Program
In light of the crackdown, states are forming innovative partnerships with ICE under the 287(g) program. This initiative broadens local and state police authority to enforce Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. Historically, such enforcement was conducted by state highway patrol officers trained in the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance program.
The program enables state and local law enforcement to patrol roads for immigration violations and process individuals for deportation, including agreements with tribal jurisdictions for immigration enforcement. States participating in this program include Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, New York, Alabama, Mississippi, and Wyoming, with most partnerships being of the Task Force Model.
Wyoming Operation Targets Country Roads
A recent operation in Wyoming, led by the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office in coordination with ICE, showcases the capabilities states now have to remove foreign truckers arrested for immigration violations. This effort, dubbed “Operation Safe Haul,” involved multiple traffic stops and inspections, resulting in the removal of numerous undocumented drivers from the roads.
“Our goal was to detain undocumented drivers tarnishing the reputation of law-abiding commercial drivers,” stated Sheriff Brian Kozak, emphasizing a collaborative commitment to road safety.
Mississippi’s Cross-Border Enforcement
Mississippi, which does not issue non-domiciled CDLs, has seen truckers from other states face challenges when traversing its roads. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith highlighted the state’s active stance against abuses in the trucking sector, noting successful referrals to ICE in recent months.
Hyde-Smith urged Congress to enact legislation to reinforce ELP standards, emphasizing that cooperative efforts between ICE and local law enforcement mark a significant move towards safer roadways.
Duffy Targets Safety, Not Politics
In his role, Secretary Duffy has consistently advocated for improved roadway safety, asserting that the focus should remain on qualifications rather than politics. He emphasized that the priority remains to ensure only qualified individuals operate on American roads, reiterating the importance of English proficiency for safety.
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