Senator Carroll Moves to Stop Illegal Truckers After Deadly Crashes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Majority Whip Frank Carroll is advancing legislation to stop illegal immigrants from operating commercial trucks in Arizona, giving law enforcement the power to demand proof of lawful presence and impound vehicles when drivers cannot provide it. The goal is to prevent tragedies before they happen and to protect Arizonans on our roads.
The urgency could not be clearer. Across the nation, a growing number of truckers who should not be behind the wheel are causing deadly crashes. In February, Bekzhan Beishekeev, an illegal immigrant who was issued a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Pennsylvania, swerved into oncoming traffic in Indiana and killed four innocent Americans. Similar cases—including drivers linked to criminal or terrorist activity—have repeatedly endangered lives.
SB 1511 would require anyone operating a commercial vehicle in Arizona to show evidence of lawful presence in the United States. Licenses from other states or foreign countries will not qualify. Under SB 1511, law enforcement officers can impound vehicles if drivers fail to provide proof, and vehicle owners will be responsible for all impoundment costs.
"Arizona cannot afford to wait for another preventable tragedy. This bill is about saving lives and holding everyone on our roads accountable," said Senator Carroll. "Americans are dying because illegal drivers are being licensed to operate massive commercial trucks. Rajinder Kumar, an Indian national who illegally entered the US from Mexico, was issued a CDL license in California and later killed two newlyweds returning from their honeymoon. This could happen here if we don't act. With this bill, Arizona will not allow unqualified or illegal drivers on the road. Law enforcement will have the tools to act immediately, families will be safer, and our roads will be protected. This legislation turns tragedy into action. Arizona is drawing a line: the safety of our citizens comes first, and we will not wait for another senseless death to take action."
SB 1511 passed the Senate Military Affairs & Border Security Committee with only Republican support.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus