For Immediate Release 

April 9, 2026 

MADISON COUNTY, Fla. – Inspectors, agents and analysts with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) joined the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement (OALE), Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), and local Sheriff's Office in Operation Highway Shield. 

From March 23 - 26, the four-day, statewide enforcement initiative targeted commercial vehicle safety violations, criminal activity, and threats to Florida’s transportation network. 

During the operation, over 3,300 commercial motor vehicles were stopped for inspection or an observed violation. As a result of the inspections, 176 drivers were taken out of service, 54 of which were taken out of service for language deficiencies. Additionally, 35 individuals were arrested on criminal-related charges, and 42 individuals were taken into custody for violating federal immigration laws.   

Each case status associated with this operation is determined by the case’s primary agency. 

B-roll of the operation is available here. 

For Further Information Contact:

FDLE Office of Public Information

Info@fdle.state.fl.us