In a significant enforcement action, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 146 undocumented truck drivers in Indiana, marking the state’s largest sweep of 2025. This operation, known as “Operation Hoosier Haul,” led to the shutdown of 40 trucking fleets, significantly disrupting logistics across the Midwest. The operation targeted key counties such as Marion, Lake, and Allen, where authorities seized vehicles and issued cease-and-desist orders to fleet owners. Industry leaders have warned of immediate supply chain impacts due to this enforcement action.
Background of the Sweep
The planning for Operation Hoosier Haul was a coordinated effort by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit, working closely with local law enforcement. This operation was initiated following tips from the Indiana Department of Transportation about unlicensed operations. The operation spanned two weeks, culminating on March 15, 2025, with the arrest of 146 individuals primarily for immigration violations under 8 U.S.C. § 1325. This extensive sweep was a response to initial complaints from competing fleets, including reports from the Indiana Motor Truck Association, which had flagged 40 companies for questionable hiring practices.
The operation’s scope was unprecedented in Indiana, highlighting the state’s ongoing challenges with illegal employment practices in the trucking industry. The collaboration between federal and local agencies underscores the seriousness with which these violations are being addressed. The arrests have sent a strong message to companies engaging in similar practices, emphasizing the importance of compliance with federal immigration laws.
Key Arrests and Individuals Involved
Among the key arrests was Juan Carlos Ramirez, a 42-year-old fleet manager from Indianapolis. Ramirez faces charges of harboring undocumented workers, a serious offense that could result in up to 10 years in federal prison. His arrest highlights the significant legal risks for those who facilitate illegal employment practices. Another notable arrest was Maria Gonzalez, a 35-year-old from Gary, Indiana, who was among 25 female arrestees caught transporting goods without valid work authorization. Her case illustrates the widespread nature of the issue across different demographics within the industry.
Additionally, the operation uncovered the involvement of 12 U.S. citizen supervisors, including Robert Kline from Fort Wayne. These supervisors were fined $5,000 each for failing to verify employee status via Form I-9, a critical requirement for legal employment. This aspect of the operation highlights the accountability of U.S. citizens in maintaining lawful employment practices and the consequences of neglecting these responsibilities.
Impact on Trucking Fleets
The shutdown of 40 trucking fleets has had a profound impact on the industry, with companies like Midwest Freight Haulers in Elkhart experiencing a complete halt of operations. On March 10, 2025, 28 trucks from this company were impounded, illustrating the immediate operational disruptions caused by the sweep. The economic fallout has been significant, with companies such as Hoosier Logistics reportedly losing an estimated $2.3 million in contracts, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce…