US to deport 30 Indian nationals caught working illegally as truck drivers. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
About 30 Indian nationals found to be living in the United States allegedly without legal status and working as commercial truck drivers, have been arrested and will be deported, authorities said.
What is Operation Checkmate?
The action was part of “Operation Checkmate”, carried out between May 11 and 15 by US Border Patrol agents in the Yuma Sector in Arizona. According to a statement, 52 undocumented individuals were detained during the operation, including 36 who were operating semi-trucks.
Most of those arrested had employment authorisation documents issued during the previous administration, but these were no longer valid. All individuals have been processed under federal law and are set to be deported.
Operation Checkmate: 30 Indian truckers among 52 held in US border sweep
A US Border Patrol operation in Arizona’s Yuma Sector targeting undocumented commercial truck drivers, carried out May 11–15. Tap the tabs below to explore the story.
52
Undocumented individuals detained
36
Were operating semi-trucks
30
Drivers were Indian nationals
4
Driver nationalities: India, Mexico, El Salvador, Russia
5
Day operation (May 11–15), Yuma Sector, Arizona
All
52 detained set to be deported
Operation Checkmate reflects our commitment to safeguarding communities and roads from unlawfully present drivers who pose significant risks to public safety. — Dustin Caudle, Acting Chief Patrol Agent
The operation is aimed at enforcing immigration laws and identifying people without legal status who are operating commercial vehicles. Some of those held carried commercial driving licences issued by states such as California, New York, Washington and Virginia, while others had no valid licence. Most carried employment authorisation documents issued under the previous administration that are no longer valid. Recent cases involving Indian-origin drivers linked to serious road accidents have prompted increased scrutiny.
~680,000
Indians in the US without legal status (2023)
18,822
Indians deported by the US since 2009
3,258
Deported in 2025, up from 1,368 in 2024
62%
Of 2025 deportees flew home on commercial flights
Sources: Pew Research Center (2023); India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Dec 2025 (via PTI)
The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has reacted to the incident, saying, “India does not in any manner support illegal immigration. We cooperate with the US as and when cases of deportation are referred to us. We check the nationality. Once nationality is verified, they are deported, and we receive our nationals.”
#WATCH | On reports of 30 Indian truck drivers being deported from the US, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "India does not in any manner support illegal immigration. We cooperate with the US as and when cases of deportation are referred to us. We check the nationality.… pic.twitter.com/aHOZZAJork
“Operation Checkmate reflects our commitment to safeguarding communities and roads from unlawfully present drivers who pose significant risks to public safety,” acting chief patrol Agent Dustin Caudle said. He added that authorities are working to prevent accidents involving unqualified drivers.
The operation is aimed at enforcing immigration laws and identifying individuals without legal status who are operating commercial vehicles in the country.
In recent months, there have been cases involving Indian-origin drivers in the US linked to serious road accidents, prompting increased scrutiny by authorities.
The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis.
A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students.
All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence.
Core Team
The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy:
Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership.
Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage.
Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More
Share
US to deport 30 Indian nationals caught working illegally as truck drivers. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) 
