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DHS launches 24/7 CDL fraud tip line
Agents expand enforcement campaign across trucking sector
An HSI agent checks a driver's CDL credentials. (Homeland Security Investigations via Facebook)
Key Takeaways:
- DHS launched a 24-hour ICE tip line Sept. 9 for reporting suspected commercial driver license fraud.
- DOT recently joined a White House task force aimed at eliminating fraud, expanding enforcement coordination with multiple federal agencies.
- DHS outlined several enforcement initiatives targeting undocumented foreign commercial drivers and transportation-related violations.
The Department of Homeland Security launched a 24-hour tip line to report suspected commercial driver license fraud, the latest step in a broader federal crackdown targeting illicit activity in trucking.
The tip line, which operates 24/7, was unveiled Sept. 9 as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement resource for combating CDL fraud.
“ICE and our federal partners, including the Department of Transportation, will be cracking down on CDL fraud so that not one more American life is lost to a reckless illegal alien behind the wheel of a semi-truck,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said. “Too many American lives have been lost or permanently changed because illegal aliens who have no business being on our roads have been granted CDLs.”
Mullin said the public can “help save American lives and make our roads safer” by reporting possible CDL fraud.
The stronger DHS focus on the industry comes after the Department of Transportation recently joined the White House’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud that increases its enforcement capabilities due to new joint operations with federal investigators and prosecutors from multiple agencies including the FBI, ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Justice.
Arpan Podduturi of Samsara examines how AI, telematics and onboard cameras are converging to protect drivers and reduce risk. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Aug. 31 that trucking fraud would be probed by the task force led by Vice President J.D. Vance. That day, DHS field offices were to launch a coordinated National Surge Operation with Enforcement and Removal Operations agents. The first states targeted were Maine, Wisconsin and Michigan. ERO personnel were going to join DOT officials and FMCSA-certified inspectors at multiple checkpoints in undisclosed locations.
Since then, multiple social media photos have been posted by HSI about its operations targeting truckers and transportation-related businesses.
Transport Topics has reached out to DHS seeking information about heightened HSI/ICE enforcement operations.
The tip line, which operates 24 hours, seven days a week, was unveiled Sept. 9 as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement resource for combating CDL fraud. (Homeland Security Investigations via Facebook)
The DHS announcement about the tip line also contained a list of nine undocumented foreign truck drivers who had held CDLs “with devastating impacts for American citizens,” including:
Michael Bon, of Haiti: Held a Massachusetts CDL when he allegedly caused a semi-truck crash killing Pennsylvania trooper Michael Pahira in July while he was inspecting another commercial vehicle.
Sukhdev Singh, India: Had a New York CDL when he apparently caused a crash in March injuring a pedestrian, who was hospitalized in Indiana.
Bekzhan Beishekeev, Kyrgyzstan: Had a Pennsylvania CDL when he allegedly killed four people in Indiana in a head-on collision after swerving into oncoming traffic in February.
Rajinder Kumar, India: Had a California CDL when he purportedly jackknifed his trailer in Oregon in November, causing a crash killing William Micah Carter and Jennifer Lynn Lower, who had been married for just 16 days.
According to an earlier statement, ERO was going to start national and state-level operations targeting commercial drivers and transportation companies. Three enforcement initiatives also were occurring at undisclosed locations:
ICE Wall targets trucking companies and drivers with final deportation orders, prior removals or reinstated removal orders
Guardrail focuses on undocumented foreigners holding CDLs
Freightliner identifies, locates and processes for deportation undocumented foreigners operating commercial vehicles illegally
“HSI will bring the full weight of our investigative authorities, financial expertise and global law enforcement capabilities to this historic, whole-of-government effort,” said John Condon, acting HSI executive associate director.
He added that HSI will target individuals and criminal networks using phony documents, illegal financial schemes and other unlawful activities to “profit at the expense of public safety.”
To report suspicious CDL activity, call 866-347-2423.
