Twenty-nine Mexican drivers are plaintiffs in a pending federal suit against Omega and U.S. carriers, alleging forced labor linked to promises of lawful U.S. work, fees, document retention and threats. Their lawyers say they represent at least 45 drivers with similar accounts.
According to the amended complaint, recruiters targeted professional drivers in Mexico from about 2022 to 2025 with promises of employment-based visas and, in some cases, permanent residency. Drivers allegedly paid activation or visa-processing fees and faced deductions for legal advice, taxes, insurance, maintenance and fuel. The complaint says some surrendered passports and I-94 records that were retained, while those who questioned the process or tried to leave allegedly faced deportation threats, financial penalties or blacklisting. It also alleges unpaid hours and contractor misclassification.
The claims remain unproven. Trius Trucking, B&B Transport, Diesel Direct and Diesel Direct West moved to dismiss the amended complaint; the court took their motions under submission earlier this year. A&I Transport acknowledged using Omega-provided drivers but denied knowingly receiving labor from plaintiffs lacking lawful U.S. work authorization and denied an unlawful enterprise. South Star Logistics denies wrongdoing, says a contract assigned Omega recruitment and compliance duties, and seeks indemnification from Omega and Henry and Rick Gamino if held liable. Omega and Henry Gamino had not responded to FreightWaves by publication.
