U.S. Border Patrol agents say 37 undocumented immigrants were arrested during a multi-day enforcement effort along the New York State Thruway in western New York.
The operation took place between November 8 and 11, with agents from the Buffalo Station working alongside ICE Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations. Immigration inspections were conducted at more than ten locations along Interstate 90.
Officials say 30 of those taken into custody were operating commercial vehicles and held valid Commercial Driver Licenses issued in several states, including California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. Seven others arrested were not driving commercial vehicles.
All 37 men were processed and transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation proceedings.
Acting Buffalo Sector Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato said the arrests highlight safety concerns involving commercial drivers who may not speak or read English well enough to safely operate large vehicles. He said recent serious crashes nationwide involving such drivers underscore the need for continued enforcement efforts to protect public safety.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
