Mexican Truck Operators Study English Amid New U.S. Language Mandate

In response to a new directive from President Donald Trump, truck drivers in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, have started learning English to align with updated U.S. language regulations for commercial drivers.

Roughly 50 drivers making routine deliveries between Ciudad Juarez and El Paso, Texas, are now participating in weekly English training sessions ranging from four to eight hours. Their employer, Fletes Sotelo, initiated the program to help them meet the language expectations for operating within the U.S.

According to the company’s owner, Manuel Sotelo, the language lessons were launched about a month and a half ago with the intention of helping every driver grasp fundamental English skills. Sotelo also leads the Ciudad Juarez transportation union.

One driver, Jose Murguia, said the language course is a timely initiative in light of recent developments.
“It’s important to know the language, at least in the ways that are necessary for our work, which is to transport goods into El Paso,” he explained.

Although the U.S. had already required drivers to speak English, a previous policy from 2016 advised inspectors not to penalize drivers solely for lacking proficiency. That guidance was revoked by Trump’s executive order in April.

This order followed another declaration made in March, officially designating English as the national language of the United States.

Critics have called the executive mandate unfair, pointing out that the U.S. is home to millions of people who communicate in languages other than English.