Indian H-1B visa holder denies Texas whistleblower's claims of owning food truck biz in viral video; says 'I know my rules'

A video showing a confrontation between a Texas-based journalist and an Indian tech professional over alleged misuse of H-1B visa rules has gone viral on X. The exchange centres on claims that the individual was working at a food truck despite being employed under an H-1B visa.

Journalist Sara Gonzales said she acted on tips alleging that Naveen Tummala, whose H-1B visa was reportedly sponsored by Flexera Global Inc., was running a food truck business in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She described it as a case where an H-1B visa holder and dependent allegedly operate a business.

In the video, Gonzales questioned Tummala at a food truck linked to the brand Golcona Xpress, citing his social media posts where he appeared in cooking videos and referred to himself as a “masterchef”.

Tech worker denies claims

Tummala denied the allegations during the confrontation, stating that he was neither the owner nor a chef at the food truck. He said he had visited the location after work hours to fix a printer and was only helping his wife, whom he identified as the business owner.

"I am off my duty. I cannot help my wife, or what? Do you think I am getting paid for it? I know my rules. I know my rights," he said in the video.

When questioned about his presence at the truck, he added, "Do you think the business owners are always at the businesses they own?"

The exchange became tense, with Tummala asking Gonzales to apologise for confronting him.

"You can do whatever you want. You think that's American. You guys do the same thing for everybody. Go ahead and check your backyard," he said.

Gonzales responded during the interaction that she did not understand his English.

The video triggered reactions online, with users debating H-1B and dependent visa rules, and questioning the claims made in the confrontation.