On Friday, the Trump administration took decisive action to address safety concerns by announcing new restrictions on Mexican train crews operating within the United States. The measure, introduced by the Federal Railroad Administration, comes after reports indicated that some crew members struggled with English, impacting their ability to interpret safety bulletins and communicate effectively with inspectors.

Letters were sent to Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, highlighting the need for improved communication skills among train crews. The issue was underscored during a news conference held by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy at Philadelphia International Airport. Duffy emphasized the importance of English proficiency for all operators, whether they are driving an 80-ton truck or a massive freight train, stating that inadequate language skills pose an unacceptable safety risk.

“Our priority is to ensure that every train crew can effectively communicate with inspectors and comprehend essential operational bulletins,” Secretary Duffy asserted. “These sensible measures are vital to prioritizing the safety of both the operators and the communities they serve.”

According to the Department of Transportation, the restrictions will limit Mexican train crews to operating no more than 10 miles into the U.S. from their entry point. Furthermore, crews who lack certification must halt operations at the customs inspection point, and interpreters involved must be certified in accordance with safety regulations.

This policy change reflects a larger effort to strengthen safety protocols within the U.S. rail network, as illustrated by an aerial view of the bustling Union Pacific Los Angeles Intermodal Facility rail yard in Commerce, California. With these new directives, the Trump administration aims to bolster safety standards and ensure seamless operations across international borders.

An aerial view of gantry cranes, shipping containers, and freight railway trains at the Union Pacific Los Angeles (UPLA) Intermodal Facility rail yard in Commerce, California. On Friday, the Trump administration imposed new restrictions on Mexican train crews in the United States.  (Getty Images)

“Train crew operators who can’t speak English pose a significant safety risk that should not be ignored,” said FRA Administrator David Fink. “Dispatchers and first responders need to know that they can communicate with train crews, especially during times of emergency.” 

The move came amid a series of deadly incidents involving commercial truck drivers living illegally in the U.S. who speak little to no English.

In September, the DOT announced changes to eligibility requirements for non-domiciled commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) and commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).

The move came after an illegal immigrant truck driver who had obtained a limited-term commercial driver’s license from California allegedly killed three people when attempting to make an unauthorized U-turn in Florida. 

Harjinder Singh, the trucker, was later charged with three counts of vehicular homicide.