The Trump administration has proposed new regulations requiring Mexican train crews operating across the U.S. border to demonstrate proficiency in English and strengthening certification standards for crew operations. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced the rule following inspections of rail facilities in Texas that revealed instances of crews having difficulty understanding English-language operating bulletins and U.S. regulations pertaining to hazardous materials and emergency procedures.
The FRA had sent letters to Union Pacific and CPKC in December after inspecting facilities near the border, expressing concerns that Mexican crews crossing into U.S. railyards in Eagle Pass and Laredo were struggling to comprehend critical safety information maintained in English. The proposed rule would establish a firm 10-mile restriction on how far Mexican crews can operate trains into the United States before transferring operations to American crew members, codifying existing guidance into formal regulation.
Two major rail unions praised the measure, with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union arguing that language barriers pose safety hazards during emergencies such as derailments. The union has expressed concerns about this practice for several years based on safety, security, and employment considerations. Additionally, the SMART-TD union highlighted a provision prohibiting train crews from using systems similar to cruise control during certification tests, saying such measures ensure operators can safely manage trains rather than simply supervise automated systems.
The railroads have stated that the practice of using Mexican crews to bring trains into U.S. railyards was developed in 2018 with approval from the prior Trump administration to address smuggling concerns at the border. Union Pacific and CPKC declined to comment while reviewing the proposed rule. The administration’s move aligns with broader Transportation Department efforts to ensure truck drivers operating commercially can understand English to read road signs and communicate with first responders.
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