OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Recent focused inspections mandated by the Trump administration have revealed communication issues among Mexican train crews operating in the United States. These crews, who have been transporting trains from Mexico into Texas rail yards, have struggled to understand critical safety information presented in English.
Railroads such as Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) often depend on foreign crews to deliver trains across the border, after which American conductors and engineers take over. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union has expressed concerns regarding the safety, security, and job implications of utilizing foreign crews, previously indicating that crew exchanges occurred directly at the border.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has reached out to both railroads, urging them to reassess their practices. The FRA emphasized that it's essential for Mexican crews to have proficient English speaking abilities and should not operate trains more than 10 miles (16 kilometers) into the U.S. territory. Both Union Pacific and CPKC responded by reaffirming their commitment to safety and security, indicating they would work towards compliance with these regulations.
In addition to rail safety, the Trump administration has been intensifying regulations regarding truck drivers' English proficiency to enhance emergency communication and compliance with crucial operational instructions. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the importance of being proficient in English, stating that failure to do so creates unacceptable safety risks.
The Transportation Department had previously withheld $40 million from California due to non-enforcement of the English proficiency requirement, also indicating possible sanctions against other states for issuing commercial driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. Previous accidents involving trucks driven by unlicensed immigrants raised significant safety concerns, prompting calls for stricter enforcement.
During inspections, FRA Administrator David Fink indicated that further enforcement actions could be imposed if additional violations are found. Inspectors identified issues at Union Pacific's Eagle Pass rail yard and CPKC's facilities in Laredo, TX. In Eagle Pass, although Union Pacific had a translator available, concerns remain about the crews' comprehension of operating regulations and safety protocols. At CPKC's site, inspectors reported multiple instances of crews struggling with operating bulletins, including critical information on hazardous materials and emergency responses that must be maintained in English.
The engineers union and the SMART-TD union, representing conductors, welcomed the Trump administration’s intervention, highlighting that Mexican crews are often less trained and must comprehend crucial safety communications. Earlier in the year, the engineers union drew attention to two incidents where members of Mexican crews were arrested on suspicion of smuggling—one related to assisting unauthorized migrants across the border and the other involving drug trafficking into the U.S.
Mark Wallace, President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, commended the administration for enhancing safety standards for cross-border train operations, emphasizing the necessity for locomotive engineers to communicate effectively with dispatchers and first responders while operating in the U.S.
Railroad representatives conveyed their intention to adhere to the established regulations. Union Pacific spokesperson Kristen South underscored the shared goal of maintaining a secure border while ensuring fluid supply chain operations. Similarly, CPKC's spokesperson, Patrick Waldron, noted their commitment to safety and their well-established protocol to prevent international crews from traveling beyond the stipulated distance of 10 miles (16 kilometers) into the U.S.
Union Pacific operates joint transits with FerroMex at the border, indicating that the practice of changing crews at their rail yard situated 7 miles (11 kilometers) into U.S. territory facilitates smoother freight movement compared to previous procedures that halted rail traffic for transfers at a single-track bridge. The railroad has coordinated with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to implement this change effectively.
