U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy is leading a sweeping nationwide audit into the American trucking industry that aims to uncover potential abuses linked to illegal immigration, the Daily Caller has learned.
The audit, which could have far-reaching consequences, will specifically focus on states that issue non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and review state procedures to identify the potential for unqualified and illegal drivers infiltrating the trucking workforce.
This investigation comes at a time when concerns are growing over the role of illegal immigrants within the trucking industry and their potential impact on road safety and the economy.
According to materials shared with the Caller, the audit is poised to scrutinize various states’ processes to determine if illegal immigrants are exploiting loopholes in the CDL licensing system.
This investigation is a direct response to allegations that the trucking industry has been flooded by foreign-born drivers, many of whom may be operating without the necessary qualifications or legal status.
In recent years, the number of foreign-born truck drivers in the U.S. has skyrocketed, though it remains unclear how much of that increase is due to legal immigrants versus illegal ones.
Data from the Houston Chronicle’s analysis of U.S. Census information reveals the growing presence of foreign-born truck drivers in the workforce, but it also highlights the challenge in discerning how many of these individuals are operating legally.
While legal immigrants are often welcomed into the industry, the rise of illegal immigrant truck drivers has raised alarm bells for many, particularly those advocating for stronger immigration controls and better safety on U.S. roads.
Duffy, who has long been an advocate for improving safety and upholding legal standards within the U.S. transportation sector, voiced concerns about the potential exploitation of America’s trucking licensing system.
In a statement to the Daily Caller, Duffy stressed the importance of addressing the issue, saying that the open borders policies of the previous administration have allowed millions to enter the country, leading to the exploitation of systems meant to protect American citizens.
“The open borders policies of the last administration allowed millions to flood our country — leading to serious allegations that the trucking licensing system is being exploited,” Duffy said. “Today, we are launching a nationwide audit to get to the bottom of this.”
Duffy emphasized that the audit is not only about uncovering potential illegal activities but also about ensuring the safety of families on the road. With trucks carrying massive cargo across the country every day, ensuring that only qualified, properly documented drivers are behind the wheel is critical to preventing accidents and safeguarding public safety.
The audit will examine the practices of states that issue non-domiciled CDLs, with a particular focus on states where it is easier for individuals, potentially including illegal immigrants, to obtain licenses. The goal is to ensure that only qualified, legally documented individuals are allowed to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in the U.S.
“The audit is about protecting the safety of families on the road and upholding the integrity of CDL’s held by America’s truckers,” Duffy said. “Every state must follow federal regulations and ensure only qualified, properly documented drivers are getting behind the wheel of a truck.”
As part of this effort, Duffy signed an order on May 20 that mandates commercial motor vehicle drivers to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) longstanding English-language proficiency (ELP) requirements.
Drivers who do not meet the necessary standards will be designated as “out-of-service,” meaning they will not be allowed to operate their vehicles until they fulfill the language requirement.
The issue of English-language proficiency among truck drivers is particularly relevant in the context of increasing numbers of foreign-born drivers entering the industry.
While many legal immigrants speak English fluently, there have been concerns about non-English-speaking drivers operating commercial vehicles without the ability to communicate effectively with law enforcement, emergency responders, and others on the road.
Duffy’s new initiative is also closely linked to addressing concerns raised by organizations like American Truckers United, which have long warned about the safety risks posed by foreign-born drivers, particularly those who may be operating illegally.
The advocacy group has sounded the alarm on multiple fatal accidents involving foreign truck drivers, with some alleging that illegal immigrant drivers are responsible for accidents that endanger American lives.
One such incident involved a tragic accident in March, where Solomun Weldekeal Araya, a Dallas-based truck driver, was arrested and charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault after his tractor-trailer collided with a traffic jam, killing several people. The crash sparked outrage, with many pointing to the growing number of foreign truck drivers in the U.S. as a contributing factor to road safety issues.
“We’re trying to make a statement so that the feds will do something,” said Shannon Everett, a cofounder of American Truckers United. “The foreign truck drivers — including many illegals — are killing American drivers, slashing truckers’ income, and pushing companies out of business.”
The organization’s concerns are echoed by many who believe that illegal immigration is not only a strain on the economy but also a threat to public safety.
The presence of unqualified or unlicensed drivers behind the wheel of large commercial vehicles could have dire consequences, as evidenced by fatal accidents involving foreign truckers.
By launching this audit, the Trump administration is taking a firm stand against what it sees as an industry that has been infiltrated by illegal immigrants, potentially putting U.S. citizens at risk. The audit aims to expose those responsible for exploiting the system and bring greater accountability to the trucking industry.
The launch of the audit comes on the heels of a series of executive orders signed by President Trump aimed at bolstering border security and ensuring that immigration policies reflect the needs of the American people. One key aspect of Trump’s broader immigration agenda has been to prioritize legal immigration while cracking down on illegal immigration.
In March, Trump signed an executive order declaring English the official language of the United States. This order, in conjunction with the new trucking regulations, reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that individuals who wish to participate in the workforce can meet the necessary qualifications, including language proficiency.
The DOT’s decision to move forward with this nationwide audit is part of the broader push for stronger immigration policies. Trump’s supporters see this initiative as a way to tackle the root causes of illegal immigration while simultaneously protecting American workers and families.
By identifying illegal immigrants who may be flooding the trucking industry, the administration hopes to eliminate a loophole that could have far-reaching consequences for the economy and road safety.
The launch of the nationwide audit is sure to stir political debate. Critics of Trump’s immigration policies will likely argue that the audit is an overreach, potentially targeting immigrants unfairly. They may also suggest that the audit could disproportionately impact legal immigrants who have entered the country through legal channels.
On the other hand, Trump’s supporters see this as a much-needed step to address illegal immigration and protect American workers. By ensuring that only qualified and legally documented individuals are allowed to drive commercial trucks, the administration is taking a hard stance on the issue of border security and road safety.
This audit could also have implications for the future of U.S. immigration policy. If the audit uncovers widespread exploitation of the CDL system, it could pave the way for more stringent regulations and stricter enforcement of existing laws.
Additionally, the findings could spark further reforms in the trucking industry, including greater oversight and accountability for companies that hire unqualified or undocumented drivers.
As the audit unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Trump administration addresses the issues of illegal immigration and truck driver qualifications. If the audit reveals significant problems within the industry, it could lead to stronger regulations and a renewed focus on protecting American workers.
The outcome of this audit will have lasting consequences for the trucking industry, immigration policy, and road safety. It is clear that the Trump administration is committed to taking decisive action to address illegal immigration, and this audit is just the latest in a series of steps aimed at tightening border security and ensuring the safety of American citizens.
For those who support Trump’s vision of a stronger America, this audit is a sign of progress in the fight against illegal immigration. Whether the audit leads to concrete changes in the trucking industry or sparks broader reforms in immigration policy, it represents a significant step in the ongoing effort to secure the nation’s borders and protect American workers from exploitation.
