SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Federal immigration authorities announced that more than 100 undocumented commercial truck drivers were taken into custody across California following a multi-agency enforcement effort known as Operation Highway Sentinel. The operation, led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles, was carried out on December 23 with assistance from the FBI, DEA, and IRS Criminal Investigation units.
According to ICE officials, the operation focused on highway and trucking enforcement across central and northern California, targeting drivers and companies suspected of violating immigration and transportation safety laws. Authorities said the initiative was launched after a series of fatal roadway crashes involving unlicensed commercial drivers.
HSI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Tatum King said the arrests were intended to enhance highway safety and ensure compliance within the commercial transport industry. HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang emphasized that California’s major ports and roadways play a crucial role in national commerce and must operate safely and lawfully.
In total, 101 drivers from multiple countries — including Mexico, India, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Nicaragua, Russia, Georgia, Venezuela, El Salvador, and Honduras — were taken into ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.
The enforcement teams also inspected roughly 800 cargo shipments at major ports, resulting in two additional arrests tied to port-related criminal activity.
Federal authorities said the operation was part of an ongoing nationwide initiative to ensure that commercial drivers operating on U.S. highways meet legal and safety requirements.