Truck driver arrested for residing in Texas on B1 visa meant for work only

A truck driver was arrested for residing in Texas with a B1 visa meant only for work. 

The incident occurred on August 9th at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas. 

According to Laredo Morning Times, Edgar Daniel Gutierrez Aguirre arrived at the World Trade Bridge in his semi truck and presented a B1/B2 visa. Gutierrez Aguirre was then interviewed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and Homeland Security Investigations special agents. 

When asked “Have you lived in the United States?” Gutierrez Aguirre responded that he had never lived in the United States. Homeland Security Investigations special agents soon uncovered documents showing that Gutierrez Aguirre was residing in Texas and had an address in Laredo, Texas. 

“HSI obtained utilities information for Gutierrez along with an apartment lease agreement in Gutierrez’s name with those utilities,” states the affidavit. “Included in the lease was a copy of Gutierrez’s B1/B2 crossing card and other information confirming Gutierrez’s residency in the United States.”

B1/B2 visa holders are not permitted to establish residency in the United States – these visas are intended for work or visiting purposes only. 

A truck driver recently took to social media to ask for help in stopping the issuing of these types of visas due to increased competition between US citizen truck drivers and those taking advantage of their B1 visas.