What is Operation Checkmate? 30 Indians among illegal truck drivers arrested in US

The arrests were made during "Operation Checkmate," a targeted enforcement initiative conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol's Yuma Sector between May 11 and May 15.

During the operation, agents arrested 52 individuals found to be residing in the country illegally. Of those apprehended, 36 were operating semi-trucks, raising concerns about public safety and compliance with federal immigration and transportation regulations.

According to CBP, Operation Checkmate is designed to enhance public safety through the enforcement of immigration laws, with a particular focus on identifying and arresting undocumented individuals operating commercial motor vehicles.

Officials said that 29 of the 36 arrested truck drivers possessed commercial driver's licenses issued by states including California, New York, Washington, and Virginia. Three others did not possess any form of driver's license.

Among those arrested, 30 were Indian nationals, while the remaining individuals were from Mexico, El Salvador, and Russia.

"Most subjects possessed Employment Authorization Documents that were obtained during the Biden administration and are no longer valid," CBP said in a statement.

Authorities confirmed that all individuals were processed in accordance with federal law and are expected to be deported.

"Operation Checkmate reflects our commitment to safeguarding communities and roads from unlawfully present drivers who pose significant risks to public safety," said Dustin W. Caudle, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol's Yuma Sector.

"My agents are on patrol every day to ensure we stop these individuals and prevent more deadly crashes from occurring on roads across the United States," he added.