FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) – A truck driver, Harjinder Singh, has been accused of causing a tragic crash that resulted in the deaths of three individuals in Florida last week. Singh, who the Trump administration identified as being in the United States illegally, was denied bond on Saturday. The crash has ignited a contentious debate between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding Singh's status and the issuance of a work permit and driver’s license in California.
Singh, a native of India, faces three state counts of vehicular homicide along with charges of immigration violations. As a result, he is currently being held in the St. Lucie County Jail without the possibility of bond. Lt. Andrew Bolonka from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a hold on him, which adds a layer of complexity to the case.
The incident has highlighted the ongoing debate over immigration policy, especially concerning the ability of undocumented individuals to obtain driver’s licenses. Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin criticized the practice, calling it “asinine” for states like California to issue commercial licenses to people living in the country illegally. California is among 19 states, alongside the District of Columbia, that allows individuals to obtain licenses regardless of their immigration status. Supporters argue this enables these individuals to work, seek medical care, and travel safely.
Governor Newsom's office responded on social media platform X, claiming that Singh had obtained a work permit during Donald Trump's presidency, a statement that McLaughlin disputed. Compounding the situation, Florida authorities revealed that Singh entered the United States illegally from Mexico in 2018, which raises questions about his legal standing when acquiring his commercial driver's license.
In response to the crash and its fallout, Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has taken action by sending Lt. Governor Jay Collins to California to ensure that Singh is placed on an airplane back to India. This move signals the state's serious stance on immigration enforcement and accountability in the wake of the tragic accident.
The crash occurred when Singh allegedly made an illegal U-turn on a highway located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of West Palm Beach. The turn caught the attention of the Florida Highway Patrol, who reported that a minivan was unable to avoid Singh’s truck trailer and collided with it. Unfortunately, the impact killed the driver of the minivan and two passengers. Remarkably, Singh and a passenger in his truck emerged from the accident uninjured.
The incident not only highlights the individual tragedy of the victims but also serves as a flashpoint in ongoing discussions regarding immigration policy and road safety. The legal and political implications of Singh's case could have far-reaching effects, particularly in states like California that argue for more inclusive immigration policies aimed at providing undocumented workers with opportunities while ensuring public safety.
