Trump administration proposes stricter English language rule for Mexican rail crews

The Trump administration is moving to require Mexican freight-train crews crossing into the United States to be proficient in English and to operate no farther than 10 miles (16 km) from the border. The Federal Railroad Administration issued the proposal after inspections revealed language barriers at Union Pacific’s Eagle Pass yard and CPKC’s Laredo facility, where crews struggled with safety bulletins and hazardous-material regulations.

The new rule also raises the bar for crew certification, banning reliance on automated “cruise-control” systems during tests. Union Pacific and CPKC have not commented, and the Association of American Railroads is still studying the regulation. Rail unions such as the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and SMART-TD praised the changes, citing safety and job-security concerns. The initiative aligns with broader Transportation Department efforts to enforce English proficiency for commercial drivers on highways.