Operation Checkmate: 30 Indians detained for illegally working as truck drivers in US, may be deported

U.S. Border Patrol agents have arrested about 30 Indian citizens illegally working as commercial truck drivers in the United States as part of the federal immigration enforcement operation “Operation Checkmate.” The men are expected to face deportation proceedings.U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a statement on Monday saying that a total of 52 people were arrested during the operation in Yuma, Arizona, from May 11 to 15. Thirty-six of them were found to be operating commercial semi-trucks while living illegally in the country.The operation was launched to enhance public safety by enforcing immigration laws and identifying undocumented immigrants working as drivers of commercial vehicles. The move comes as the Trump administration ramps up efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.US authorities said at least 30 of the 36 truck drivers arrested were Indian nationals. The remaining six are from Mexico, El Salvador and Russia. Some held commercial driver’s licenses from states including California, New York, Washington and Virginia, while others reportedly did not have valid driver’s licenses.Many detainees have employment authorization documents obtained during the Biden administration, but those licenses are no longer valid, officials said. All 52 are being processed under federal law and will be deported from the United States.Operation Checkmate was launched to enhance public safety by enforcing immigration laws and identifying undocumented individuals operating commercial motor vehicles throughout the United States.Also read: Denied asylum without an interview? Trump administration moves to expedite deportation cases under new plan“Operation Checkmate demonstrates our commitment to protecting communities and roadways from illegal drivers who pose a significant risk to public safety,” said U.S. Border Patrol Acting Chief Patrol Agent for the Yuma Sector Dustin Caudle.Caudle said federal agents are still patrolling every day to identify such drivers and prevent potentially fatal crashes on roadways across the country.The operation comes amid a broader crackdown on illegal immigration by the Trump administration. The move comes after the Department of Transportation issued an order aimed at preventing unqualified foreigners from obtaining licenses to operate commercial trucks and buses 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 different parts of the United States.