The Trump administration unveiled an unprecedented multi-agency initiative on Monday aimed at tackling fraud within the road transport industry. This includes the emergency shutdown of 110 commercial driver training schools, the establishment of a multi-state federal task force, and synchronized operations across 23 states.
The announcement was jointly made by Attorney General Todd Blanche, Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy, Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, and eight federal prosecutors from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.
Formation of a New Federal Task Force
The cornerstone of this operation is the Joint Task Force Crossroads of America, a permanent criminal prosecution structure that brings together federal prosecutors from four states alongside the FBI, DEA, HSI, ICE, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
"The safety of America's roads impacts everyone in the nation," Attorney General Blanche stated.
"Foreign nationals and illegal immigrants have exploited the U.S. transportation industry, placing unqualified and inadequately trained drivers who do not speak English on our roads. Some may be carrying drugs or weapons for international criminal networks. Drivers and companies allowing this dangerous activity will no longer evade justice," he added.
Closure of Schools and Nationwide Audits
The Department of Transportation has ordered the emergency removal of 110 commercial driver's license (CDL) training schools from the federal registry, linked to over 5,000 drivers who failed English proficiency tests.
"Today we are announcing the emergency executive closure of 110 driving schools. These schools account for 5,000 of the infractions related to English proficiency," Duffy stated.
Additionally, the USDOT has proposed the removal of over 160 more schools and launched a national audit of external CDL skills examiners.
The Department of Homeland Security simultaneously conducted operations at more than 200 schools in 23 states, issuing inspection notices to businesses, carriers, and employers.
Duffy was firm: "Speaking English is essential to operate a commercial motor vehicle. This regulation has been in place for decades, and we have schools that know the rule yet still allow non-English speakers to complete training and obtain their license."
A Year-Long Campaign
This crackdown marks the culmination of an escalation that began with the executive order on English for truck drivers, effective since June 25, 2025, which allows for the immediate removal from service of any driver failing a language test.
Since then, the USDOT has removed over 28,000 drivers from the roads, according to Duffy's statistics.
In July 2026, DHS and DOT had already announced an investigation into 75 CDL schools suspected of fraud.
Weeks later, Operation Highway Shield in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Ohio removed over 800 drivers, detained 51 undocumented immigrants, and recovered nearly one million dollars in stolen cargo.
On August 6, ICE arrested Cuban trucker José Carlos Valdivia-Vera in Florida, who was operating with an expired CDL and had a final deportation order.
The Case that Brought the Campaign to Light
Monday's event was attended by Marcus Coleman and his daughter Dalilah, who suffered traumatic brain injuries and permanent disabilities after a 2024 accident in California involving a truck driver who was an Indian national in the country illegally.
Scott Brady, Executive Director of the White House Task Force on Fraud Elimination—established by Trump in March 2026—criticized the previous administration.
"The previous administration turned a blind eye to criminal enterprises allowing drivers who couldn't pass a basic English test to obtain a commercial driver's license. That ends today," he declared.
An estimated 20,000 to 25,000 Cuban-origin truckers are active in the U.S., primarily in Florida, making them among the most exposed to the new language requirements and ICE operations.
Frequently Asked Questions on Road Transport Fraud Crackdown
What is the Joint Task Force Crossroads of America?
The Joint Task Force Crossroads of America is a permanent criminal prosecution structure that combines federal prosecutors from four states with agencies like the FBI, DEA, HSI, ICE, and ATF to combat fraud in the road transport industry.
Why were 110 driving schools shut down?
The 110 driving schools were closed due to their connection to over 5,000 drivers who failed English proficiency tests, violating federal regulations for commercial driver's license training.
How many drivers have been removed from U.S. roads due to this initiative?
Since the initiative began, the Department of Transportation has removed over 28,000 drivers from U.S. roads for failing to meet the required English language proficiency.
What impact does this crackdown have on Cuban-origin truckers in the U.S.?
Cuban-origin truckers, particularly in Florida, are among the most affected by the new language requirements and increased ICE operations, as they constitute a significant portion of the trucking workforce in the U.S.