Border Patrol arrests 37 in operation focusing on CDL drivers on New York State Thruway

Dozens of commercial vehicle drivers were arrested by U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) during an immigration enforcement operation in western New York.

From November 8 through 11, 2025, USBP’s Buffalo Sector spearheaded a detail called “Operation Bear Cave” along I-90 (New York State Thruway) with assistance from U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Officers conducted immigration inspections focused on commercial vehicle operators in more than ten locations along the western portion of the New York State Thruway.

As a result of the operation, 37 males who were present in the U.S. illegally were arrested and handed over to ICE for deportment proceedings, according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection news release.

“Agents discovered that 30 illegal aliens possessed valid CDLs from the states of California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. An additional 7 illegal aliens were also arrested who were not in operation of any commercial vehicles,” authorities said.

“As we continue to see an alarming trend of illegal aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States operating commercial vehicles, it raises significant safety concerns,” Acting Buffalo Sector Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato said. “Drivers who are not fluent or with little to no ability to speak or read English pose a serious risk on our roadways, especially when operating large vehicles that require a high level of skill and understanding of traffic laws. The ongoing major accidents nationwide involving such drivers highlight the critical need for enforcement and vigilance to protect public safety.”