30 Indian truck drivers arrested under ‘Operation Checkmate’ in US, likely to face deportation

The United States has intensified its crackdown on undocumented immigrants, particularly commercial vehicle operators. As part of ‘Operation Checkmate,’ US Border Patrol agents arrested 52 individuals in Arizona’s Yuma Sector, including 30 Indian truck drivers.

According to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the operation was conducted between May 11 and May 15 and targeted commercial motor vehicle operators who were allegedly residing and working in the United States illegally.

Total arrested: 52

Indian nationals: 30

Drivers without any valid driving licence: 3

Authorities said that many of those arrested possessed Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs) obtained during the previous administration. However, officials stated that those documents were no longer valid for their current status.

Acting Chief Patrol Agent Dustin Caudle said the operation was aimed at protecting public safety and preventing serious accidents involving unqualified drivers. Those arrested will face federal immigration proceedings and are expected to be processed for deportation in accordance with US law.

The issue gained greater attention following several fatal crashes involving Indian-origin truck drivers allegedly operating unlawfully in the United States.

In October 2025, Jashanpreet Singh was accused of driving a truck under the influence in California, resulting in a collision with an SUV that killed three people. Authorities said he had entered the US illegally through the Mexico border in 2022.

In August 2025, Harjinder Singh was involved in a fatal crash in Florida after allegedly making an improper U-turn, leading to the deaths of three people.