Governor Kay Ivey praised the Trump Administration's new federal initiative to combat fraud and illegal activity in commercial trucking, highlighting Alabama's leadership. The state has prioritized cracking down on "bad actors" through aggressive enforcement, strong licensing standards, and a close partnership with federal immigration authorities.
The U.S. Departments of Transportation, Homeland Security, and Justice recently announced their most aggressive interagency trucking enforcement effort to date. This national approach targets fraudulent commercial driver training, illegal operators, and criminal activity, establishing the Joint Task Force Crossroads of America, a multistate partnership.
Alabama has been at the forefront through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's (ALEA) Motor Carrier Safety Unit, its partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and stringent commercial driver license standards. "President Trump and Secretary Duffy are taking decisive action to restore law, order and accountability to America's trucking industry, and we are proud to help lead that effort," Governor Ivey said. She added, "those who are in our country illegally, cannot speak English or are otherwise unqualified have no business operating an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle."
Since October 27, 2025, ALEA's MCSU has assisted ICE with the detention of 561 individuals for immigration violations during commercial motor vehicle enforcement. Additionally, since January 1, 2025, MCSU Troopers have issued 1,022 English Language Proficiency (ELP) violations.
Further strengthening efforts, Governor Ivey signed the Highway Safety and Fairness Act in March, effective October 1, 2026. This law mandates foreign CDL holders operating in Alabama possess valid United States work authorization, requires all CDL holders to demonstrate English-language proficiency, and criminalizes presenting a fraudulent foreign CDL.
Alabama Trucking Association President Mark Colson credited Governor Ivey and Secretary Taylor for establishing Alabama as a national model. ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor noted these efforts ensure qualified drivers, citing a 24 percent reduction in CMV-involved fatalities in 2026 compared to last year. Governor Ivey concluded, "My message is clear: If you are here illegally, operating unlawfully or putting American lives at risk, you will be held accountable." Alabama issues CDL licenses to lawful permanent residents.