Around 30 Indian nationals working illegally as commercial truck drivers in the United States have been arrested during a federal immigration enforcement operation known as Operation Checkmate. US authorities said the individuals are likely to face deportation proceedings.
The arrests were made during a multi-day operation conducted between May 11 and May 15 in Arizona’s Yuma Sector, according to a statement issued by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Over 50 arrests during Operation Checkmate
Per a report by The Times of India, authorities said a total of 52 people were arrested during the operation. Of them, 36 were found operating commercial semi-trucks while allegedly residing illegally in the United States.
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Officials confirmed that at least 30 of the 36 truck drivers arrested were Indian nationals. The remaining individuals were citizens of Mexico, El Salvador and Russia.
According to US authorities, some of those detained possessed commercial driver’s licences issued by states such as California, New York, Washington and Virginia. Others reportedly did not have valid driver’s licences.
From May 11-15, Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector launched Operation Checkmate, cracking down on illegal aliens with commercial driver’s licenses operating big rigs.
— Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) June 1, 2026
36 illegal aliens are now off our Arizona streets & highways.
A big rig in the hands of an illegal alien who often…
Employment documents no longer valid
CBP officials stated that several of those arrested had employment authorisation documents that were issued during the Biden administration. However, authorities said the permits were no longer valid, per TOI report.
All 52 individuals taken into custody have been processed under federal law and are expected to be removed from the United States.
The operation was launched as part of broader efforts to enforce immigration laws and identify undocumented migrants working as commercial vehicle drivers.
US cites public safety concerns
US officials quoted by TOI said the operation was aimed at improving road safety and preventing unqualified drivers from operating heavy commercial vehicles.
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"Operation Checkmate reflects our commitment to safeguarding communities and roads from unlawfully present drivers who pose significant risks to public safety," said Dustin Caudle, acting chief patrol agent of the US Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector, reported TOI.
Caudle added that federal agents continue patrol operations daily to identify such drivers and reduce the risk of potentially fatal accidents on American roads.
The operation comes amid the Trump administration’s wider crackdown on illegal immigration. Earlier, the Department of Transportation introduced measures aimed at stopping unqualified foreign nationals from obtaining licences to operate commercial trucks and buses in the country.
In recent months, several Indian-origin truck drivers in the US have also faced arrest in connection with fatal road accidents involving commercial vehicles.
