Two Mexican nationals have been arrested and a tractor-trailer along with multiple firearms seized at a truck driving school in Nogales, Arizona, as federal authorities investigate suspected illegal hiring practices and cabotage violations.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Arizona announced the arrests Monday, saying special agents carried out a federal search warrant at the school on Aug. 11.
According to HSI, investigators are examining suspected links to “illegal hiring practice and cabotage.” The term cabotage refers to the illegal transportation of goods or passengers by a foreign carrier between two locations within another country.
Authorities have not released the identities of the two Mexican nationals. HSI also did not identify the truck driving school or provide further information about the firearms and tractor-trailer seized during the operation.
The investigation comes at a time when federal authorities are stepping up scrutiny of foreign commercial drivers operating in the United States.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently told FreightWaves that foreign truck drivers admitted to the United States under B-1 nonimmigrant status are allowed to transport cargo as part of international commerce, but they are not permitted to conduct domestic cabotage.
“Alien truck drivers with B-1 nonimmigrant visas are only permitted to transport cargo in international commerce, and engaging in cabotage is a violation of their nonimmigrant status, leading to potential visa cancellation or revocation,” a CBP spokesperson told FreightWaves.
CBP issued the statement in response to a separate FreightWaves inquiry into alleged cabotage violations involving a Canadian carrier. The agency said cases involving foreign truck drivers and cabotage appear to be increasing.
“CBP has observed an increase in encounters involving alien truck drivers and cabotage cases, particularly in border regions,” the spokesperson said.
The agency added that specific data on cabotage enforcement is not currently available. However, CBP said it will continue enforcing immigration laws applicable to truck drivers in an effort to protect legitimate trucking businesses, ensure fair competition and support the safe movement of freight.
