Cabotage violations spark visa revocations and supply chain concerns in the U.S.-Mexico border

The tightening of surveillance measures by U.S. authorities along the Mexico border has led to the revocation of hundreds of visas belonging to Mexican truck drivers accused of alleged violations of cabotage laws. Among the recent cases are two Mexican operators whose visas were canceled for carrying out transportation activities considered illegal within the United States.

The situation has raised concerns in the border business sector, particularly in the San Diego and Otay Mesa region, home to one of the most important commercial crossings between Mexico and California. In an official statement issued on April 29, the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce warned of possible impacts on the supply chain resulting from these immigration and customs enforcement actions.

U.S. cabotage laws establish that the transportation of goods or passengers between two points within U.S. territory may only be carried out by authorized carriers. Although Mexican drivers holding B-1 visas may transport international cargo from Mexico into the United States, they are prohibited from moving goods between destinations located exclusively within the U.S.

Cabotage laws: monitoring and training for carriers

U.S. authorities have intensified investigations into possible violations committed even years earlier. In addition to the domestic transportation of goods, authorities also consider it a violation when Mexican truck drivers enter U.S. territory without their cargo unit or engage in commercial activities unrelated to the international transport permitted under their visa.

In light of this situation, the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce urged transportation companies in its statement to strengthen the training of their operators and ensure they clearly understand cabotage-related restrictions. The chamber also recommended that drivers carry all necessary documentation to demonstrate the international nature of the cargo being transported.

The Chamber of Commerce warned that border agents are asking some drivers to sign statements related to possible cabotage violations. For this reason, it emphasized the importance of companies properly informing their drivers about U.S. regulations and the risks of noncompliance.

This tightening of inspections could lead to significant economic consequences at the border. The business chamber anticipates delays at commercial crossings and increased freight transportation costs due to a possible shortage of operators authorized to enter the United States, according to statements made to Transport Topics in one of its most recent articles.

Violations of cabotage laws carry severe penalties

One recent case occurred in Arizona, where agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detained a Mexican truck driver transporting goods from Nogales to Laredo, Texas, over a route of approximately 940 miles. Authorities revoked his visa and seized the tractor-trailer after determining that he was engaging in activities prohibited under cabotage rules.

Another case took place in California, near the Arizona border, where a Mexican driver was detained while transporting agricultural products from Yuma to Washington state. According to CBP, the operator was using a B-1/B-2 visa and violated the conditions of his permitted stay. As a result, he was arrested, lost his visa, and became subject to deportation proceedings.

These enforcement actions are not new. U.S. authorities have repeatedly stated that cabotage laws “are not optional” and warned that those who violate federal transportation, immigration, and customs regulations may face severe penalties, future crossing restrictions, and even the confiscation of their cargo units.