In early November 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents conducted an operation along Interstate 90 in western New York. The operation, called Bear Cave, led to the arrest of 37 individuals for immigration violations. It focused on commercial vehicle drivers and involved assistance from ICE-Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Between November 8 and 11, agents inspected more than ten locations along the New York State Thruway near Buffalo. Of those arrested, 30 were operating commercial vehicles and held valid Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs) from states such as New York, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. The other seven were not driving commercial vehicles at the time of arrest.
All 37 individuals were processed and transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation proceedings. Acting Buffalo Sector Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato stated that drivers without proper qualifications, including English proficiency, may pose public safety risks when operating large commercial vehicles…