Hyderabad, June 2: Around 30 Indians living and working illegally in the United States have been arrested during a federal enforcement operation and are expected to face deportation, according to US authorities.
The US Customs and Border Protection said Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Sector in Arizona arrested 52 undocumented individuals during Operation Checkmate conducted between May 11 and May 15.
Among those arrested, 36 were found operating commercial semi trucks. Of them, 30 were Indian nationals, while the remaining six were from Mexico, El Salvador, and Russia.
Authorities said the drivers held commercial driving licenses issued by states including California, New York, Washington, and Virginia. Some, however, did not possess any valid driver’s license.
Investigators found that most of the arrested individuals carried employment authorisation documents issued during the previous administration. Officials stated that those documents were no longer valid.
The US Customs and Border Protection confirmed that all individuals were processed under federal law and will be deported.
Operation Checkmate aims to improve public safety by enforcing immigration laws and identifying undocumented individuals operating commercial vehicles across the country.
Acting Chief Patrol Agent Dustin Caudle of the Yuma Sector said the operation reflects the agency’s commitment to protecting communities and road users from unlawfully present drivers who may pose safety risks.
He added that federal agents continue daily enforcement efforts to prevent serious road accidents and ensure compliance with immigration and transportation laws.
The crackdown comes as the administration of President Donald Trump has directed stricter enforcement measures against unqualified foreign drivers seeking commercial truck and bus licenses in the United States.
In recent months, several Indian origin truck drivers have been arrested and charged in connection with fatal road accidents involving commercial vehicles in the country.
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