Montgomery, AL – Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced Thursday that recent coordinated enforcement efforts between the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have resulted in significant operational outcomes along the state’s major interstate corridors.
The partnership, initiated on October 27, involves ALEA’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit (MCSU) and ICE personnel working together during Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) inspections. Since the collaboration began, ALEA reports assisting in the detention of 82 individuals identified during these inspections. Most detentions occurred during two targeted Strike Force operations held October 27–30 and November 16–18, 2025. ICE personnel have also participated in routine commercial vehicle enforcement when available.
Governor Ivey commended ALEA’s proactive approach and reaffirmed her commitment to public safety.
“Alabama is leading the way when it comes to going after illegal bad actors in trucking. I’m proud of ALEA for taking decisive action and grateful for our strong partnership with ICE. Alabama will not look the other way while illegal immigration and illegal operators threaten the safety of our communities or undermine the integrity of our trucking industry,” Governor Ivey said. “If you are here illegally and breaking our laws or putting folks at risk on our highways, you will be held accountable in our state.”
In its enforcement strategy, ALEA concentrated efforts on high-crash rural interstate corridors, which experience heavy truck traffic and elevated safety risks. Since late October, approximately 242 individuals encountered during CMV inspections have been referred to ICE for immigration status checks. Of those, 82 individuals were detained based on immigration determinations. Among the detained individuals, 12 lacked any form of driver license, while the remainder held out-of-state licenses.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor emphasized the value of the joint effort.
“These results reflect the strength of our ongoing partnership with ICE and our collaboration with all federal partners committed to improving highway and public safety,” Taylor said. “The support and leadership of Governor Ivey make these operations possible, and we remain dedicated to carrying out the mission of keeping Alabama’s roads and its citizens safe.”
The Alabama Trucking Association also voiced support for the enforcement actions. President and CEO Mark Colson highlighted concerns about illegal operators within the industry.
“Alabama’s trucking industry is built on the hard work of family-owned small businesses and professional drivers who follow the rules and operate safely, but a growing number of illegal operators and bad actors who exploit regulatory loopholes are compromising safety and undercutting hard working Alabamians who move our economy,” Colson said. “Fortunately, due to the leadership and enforcement actions by Governor Kay Ivey and ALEA, Alabama is doing its part to keep our highways safe and keep the bad actors out of the trucking industry.”
State officials say ALEA and ICE will continue coordinated enforcement to protect state roadways, uphold state and federal laws, and enhance safety for motorists across Alabama.
