Over 140 Illegal Truck Drivers Arrested in the Midwest

Operation Midway Blitz Leads to Arrests of More Than 140 Truck Drivers in Indiana

A joint effort between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Indiana State Police led to 223 arrests in Northwest Indiana. Officials said 146 of those arrested were illegal truck drivers. The arrests took place near the Illinois state line.

The action was part of Operation Midway Blitz. It is based in Chicago and focuses on highway safety and commercial vehicle enforcement.

Truck Drivers Targeted in Joint Safety Operation

ICE and the Indiana State Police worked together under a 287(g) partnership. This program allows state troopers to assist federal agents in identifying immigration violations.

Officers stopped commercial vehicles and checked truck drivers along major freight corridors between Illinois and Indiana.

ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons said the agency wants to remove individuals who “should not be operating on our highways.” He said teamwork is important because many truck drivers travel through the region every day.

Commercial Driver Concerns Raised by ICE

Officials said more than 40 of the truck drivers arrested held U.S. commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). ICE reported that the top three states that issued CDLs to those arrested were Illinois, California, and New York.

Federal leaders have raised concerns about CDL approval processes. They said that oversight problems could allow unqualified truck drivers to operate large commercial vehicles.

Secretary Kristi Noem said, “Thanks to President Trump, Operation Midway Blitz has already removed over 140 illegal alien truck drivers in Indiana.”

Crimes Linked to Arrested Truck Drivers

ICE reported that criminal offenses tied to the arrests included:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• Drug Trafficking
• Theft and Burglary
• Assault
• Child Abuse
• Domestic Battery
• Prostitution
• Fraud

Not all charges involved commercial vehicles. However, officials highlighted increased danger when illegal truck drivers are linked to criminal activity while hauling heavy freight.

Officials Say Public Safety Is the Goal

Indiana Governor Mike Braun said the state’s highways are used by commercial carriers from many regions. “The safety of our state is our top priority,” he said.

Lyons also pointed to recent deadly crashes involving truck drivers who were in the U.S. illegally. “This was preventable,” he said. “We are working to ensure this doesn’t happen in Indiana or Illinois.”

ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan said the partnership with Indiana State Police helped protect both states. “When cities and states partner with us, communities are safer,” Sheahan said.

Continued Enforcement for Truck Drivers in the Midwest

Northwest Indiana includes I-65, I-94, and I-80. These are major shipping routes used by thousands of truck drivers every day. ICE stated that more highway enforcement operations are expected.

No timeline has been given for when Operation Midway Blitz will end. Officials said more announcements may come as enforcement continues.