A Mississippi company stands accused of operating a human trafficking scheme that brought more than 150 workers from Mauritius to the United States under false pretences, according to a federal lawsuit filed by the US Department of Justice.
Deceptive Recruitment Practices
The civil complaint alleges that Allied Service LLC, based in Pelahatchie, Mississippi, recruited workers from the African island nation with promises of legitimate H-2B guest worker visas for hotel positions in New Orleans. However, prosecutors claim the company instead secured cheaper B-1 visas intended for visitors attending conferences or temporary business meetings.
Exploitative Working Conditions
Workers reportedly faced dire circumstances upon arrival in Louisiana. The lawsuit details how employees were forced to work excessive hours cleaning rooms at multiple New Orleans hotels for minimal pay, while being threatened with deportation if they complained.
Key allegations include:
- Workers paying up to $5,000 in recruitment fees
- Confiscation of passports and visas
- Threats of being reported to immigration authorities
- Substandard living conditions in cramped accommodations
Justice Department Intervention
The federal action represents one of the largest labour trafficking cases involving the H-2B and B-1 visa programmes in recent years. US Attorney Duane Evans emphasised the seriousness of the allegations, stating the company "preyed on vulnerable foreign workers seeking better opportunities."
Hotel Industry Implications
While the lawsuit primarily targets Allied Service LLC, it raises broader questions about oversight within the hospitality sector's supply chain. The case highlights how temporary worker programmes can be manipulated to create modern-day indentured servitude situations.
The workers, now back in Mauritius, are cooperating with authorities as the case progresses through the US legal system.
