Arkansas Highway Police, ICE, DEA and others say they removed 393 unsafe drivers in Operation Highway Shield
The Arkansas Highway Police partnered with federal law enforcement agencies during a 48-hour statewide enforcement sweep known as “Operation Highway Shield,” resulting in 44 criminal arrests, 393 drivers and commercial vehicles placed out of service, and more than 1,000 safety violations across Arkansas highways.
The joint operation targeted commercial vehicle safety and highway interdiction from Oct. 27 – 29, 2026. Read more below.
The state agency partnered with the United States Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Enhanced enforcement activities were conducted at designated weigh stations along approved interstate and highway corridors throughout Arkansas.
According to state officials, officers focused on identifying unqualified drivers, unsafe commercial motor vehicles, fraudulent practices, and criminal activity. Officers also investigated suspected drug trafficking, human trafficking and smuggling, cargo theft, and stolen property encountered during routine inspections.
Throughout the 48-hour operation, law enforcement personnel conducted 1,724 FMCSA inspections. Official results released following the operation include:
- 393 drivers and commercial motor vehicles placed out of service
- More than 330 unqualified or unauthorized drivers identified
- More than 1,000 motor carrier safety violations identified
- 369 traffic citations and/or warnings issued
- 183 English language proficiency disqualifications issued
- 74 federal immigration enforcement actions stemming from immigration violations
- 44 criminal arrests made
- One stolen trailer recovered
“Operation Highway Shield sends a clear message: If you put safety at risk, we will hold you accountable,” FMCSA Administrator Derek D. Barrs said in a statement. “By joining forces with the Arkansas Highway Patrol and federal partners, we are putting more boots on the ground, identifying unsafe drivers and vehicles, and taking decisive action to keep dangerous operators off our roadways.”
Arkansas Highway Police Chief Jeff Holmes praised the efforts of law enforcement officers participating in the multi-agency operation.
“Beyond the statistics and the numbers, every unsafe truck or driver taken out of service represents a potential collision prevented and lives saved,” Chief Holmes said. “Day in and day out, our officers work tirelessly on our highways to ensure every traveler gets home safely.”
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