Trump Administration Limits Mexican Train Crews’ Operations Over English Proficiency Concerns
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Trump administration announced new restrictions on Mexican train crews operating within the United States, citing safety concerns related to English language proficiency. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued directives Friday to major rail companies including Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, limiting Mexican crews to operating no more than 10 miles from their U.S. entry points. This move aims to address communication challenges between train crews and U.S. inspectors that have raised alarms over operational safety.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy emphasized the importance of English proficiency for safe rail operations, stating, “Whether you’re operating an 80-ton big rig or a massive freight train, you need to be proficient in our national language – English. If you aren’t, you create an unacceptable safety risk.” He added that these measures are “commonsense steps” to ensure all train crew operators can effectively communicate with inspectors and understand critical operational bulletins, reinforcing the Department of Transportation’s commitment to public safety.
The FRA’s action follows reports that some Mexican train crew members struggled to interpret safety bulletins and communicate with inspectors in English, potentially jeopardizing emergency response and routine operations. FRA Administrator David Fink noted, “Train crew operators who can’t speak English pose a significant safety risk that should not be ignored. Dispatchers and first responders need to know that they can communicate with train crews, especially during times of emergency.”
Under the new rules, uncertified Mexican crews must halt at customs inspection points, and any interpreters involved must be certified under existing safety regulations. These policies mirror recent changes in commercial trucking, where the Department of Transportation tightened eligibility requirements for non-domiciled commercial learner’s permits and commercial driver’s licenses following fatal incidents involving drivers with limited English skills.
In September, the DOT revised regulations after a tragic crash in Florida where an illegal immigrant truck driver with a limited-term commercial license was charged with vehicular homicide after a deadly unauthorized U-turn. This incident intensified scrutiny on language proficiency standards for commercial operators.
The FRA’s enforcement of these new restrictions aligns with broader federal efforts to enhance transportation safety. The agency’s letters to rail companies underscore the importance of clear communication in preventing accidents and ensuring efficient coordination among crews, dispatchers, and emergency personnel.
For more information on federal transportation safety regulations, visit the Federal Railroad Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Data on cross-border operations and customs procedures can be found through U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Recent updates on commercial driver licensing policies are available at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
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