HILLSBOROUGH, N.H. — Federal immigration officers arrested a New Jersey-based commercial truck driver during a targeted operation at a vehicle inspection station in New Hampshire, authorities said.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said its Boston field office arrested Satvir Singh on Sept. 11 in Hillsborough.
Singh, an Indian national, was working as a truck driver engaged in interstate commerce. Although ICE said he maintained a residence in New Jersey, the agency did not identify his hometown or employer.
ICE says Singh overstayed his admission
According to ICE, Singh legally entered the United States in 2017 but later violated the terms of his admission by remaining in the country beyond the period authorized.
Federal authorities described him as being unlawfully present at the time of his arrest.
ICE did not report any criminal charges against Singh or allege that he committed a traffic or commercial-vehicle offense. His arrest was based on his immigration status.
The agency did not disclose where Singh obtained his commercial driver’s license, what type of truck he operated or whether inspectors placed the vehicle out of service.
Commercial drivers face increased scrutiny
The arrest came during a targeted operation at a commercial vehicle inspection station, placing Singh’s immigration status under scrutiny while he was working across state lines.
Federal authorities have stepped up enforcement involving commercial drivers. Days before Singh’s arrest, the Department of Homeland Security announced a new ICE tip line for suspected commercial driver’s license fraud.
Singh’s arrest alone does not establish that his commercial license was fraudulent or improperly issued. ICE made no such allegation in the information released about the case.
The agency also did not say whether Singh remains in immigration custody or when he could appear before an immigration judge.
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