DHS initiates comprehensive I-9 audits on truck fleets in California

Agents from the Department of Homeland Security are intensifying workplace inspections across trucking businesses in Northern and Central California, with particular attention on carriers owned by Punjabi entrepreneurs, according to a report broadcast on November 28 by Punjab Radio USA.

Harpreet Thera, who has managed a medium-sized fleet since 1997, shared with the station that he received a Notice of Inspection from DHS while attending a dental appointment in Sacramento. Agents initially visited his residence, then called his mobile phone to pinpoint his location, ultimately meeting him in a parking lot to personally deliver the notice.

The notice required Thera to produce I-9 employment eligibility forms for every current and former employee covering the last two years, totaling over 100 records. Thera, who uses BBSI for payroll and employs only W-2 drivers to comply with Californias AB5 law, submitted the requested forms the same day.

DHS subsequently escalated the audit by selecting 15 employeesincluding U.S. citizens, green card holders, and work-permit driversfor individual interviews, asking for their personal phone numbers and indicating that interviews could occur in person. During the handoff, the lead agent described the action as part of a broad, new initiative. When asked about the number of companies targeted, the agent responded that all companies in Northern California would be audited, admitting it was his first inspection, implying the program is still expanding.

These audits coincide with broader federal scrutiny of Californias trucking industry. Earlier this month, the FMCSA revoked 17,000 non-domiciled commercial drivers licenses held by foreign nationals after discovering that the state had failed to verify residency, with another 44,000 licenses still under review. Additionally, a reinstated English-language proficiency requirement for CDL holders has removed 7,248 drivers from the road since June. ICE enforcement activity in California also rose sharply in 2025, with 77 Northern California trucking companies inspected in the first half of the year.

Industry insiders note that many smaller Punjabi-owned carriers still operate using 1099 independent contractors, which reduces costs but exposes them to AB5 labor claims and federal immigration audits.

Size of the Punjabi Trucking Community in California

California hosts an estimated 50,00074,000 Punjabi and Sikh truck drivers and owner-operators, representing roughly 40% of the states long-haul driver population. Nationwide, the Punjabi/Sikh trucking community totals approximately 150,000200,000 drivers and business owners, controlling up to 20% of U.S. trucking companies while comprising only 45% of the total driver workforce. The North American Punjabi Trucking Association (NAPTA) lists over 1,400 member companies operating more than 9,000 trucks, which represents only a portion of the overall community.

Theras interview has circulated widely in California trucking forums. Punjab Radio USA concluded its segment by urging fleet owners to review their employment records immediately, cautioning that DHS audits are being conducted on all companies in Northern California.

DHS has not publicly announced this inspection program nor disclosed how many trucking companies have been issued notices.

Author: Sophia Brooks