U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested two individuals in the country illegally who were operating commercial motor vehicles in New Jersey on Sept. 15, part of a nationwide campaign targeting fraudulent commercial driver’s license practices.
The arrests were conducted in separate targeted enforcement actions, according to ICE. The Department of Homeland Security framed the operations as a public safety action, citing risks posed by unlicensed operators on public highways.
The enforcement reflects an expansion of ICE operations beyond traditional immigration warrants into commercial transportation safety. Individuals operating large commercial trucks without valid credentials pose potential hazards to other motorists and pedestrians, DHS said.
Commercial driver’s licenses require specialized testing and medical certification due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. CDL holders must meet federal standards administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, including background checks and periodic physical examinations.
The nationwide campaign targeting fraudulent CDL practices has resulted in arrests in multiple states, according to DHS. The initiative focuses on individuals who obtained commercial licenses through fraud or who are operating commercial vehicles without legal authorization to work in the United States.
Commercial trucking is a critical component of the U.S. economy, with more than 3.5 million truck drivers transporting approximately 72% of the nation’s freight by weight, according to the American Trucking Associations.
The arrests are expected to intensify scrutiny of CDL issuance practices in states with large immigrant labor pools. State motor vehicle agencies are responsible for issuing commercial licenses and verifying applicant eligibility.
ICE said both individuals were processed through the agency’s enforcement system. Additional details on the arrests were not immediately released.