Harjinder Singh, the truck driver charged with killing three people in a fatal crash on the Florida Turnpike, has become the centre of a heated national debate after new revelations from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) exposed multiple failures in the immigration and licensing system.
Based on the reports, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced a freeze on issuing worker visas for commercial truck drivers, saying the surge of foreign drivers on American roads is “endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers.”
Earlier, officials confirmed that Singh, an Indian national who entered the United States illegally through California in 2018, failed an English Language Proficiency test, providing correct responses to only two of 12 verbal questions and recognising just one of four highway traffic signs. Despite this, the California Department of Motor Vehicles issued him a commercial driver’s licence to operate an 18-wheeler.
On 12 August, Singh attempted an illegal U-turn in an “official use only” section of the Florida Turnpike near mile marker 171, forcing a Chrysler Town & Country minivan to crash into his trailer.
Two passengers – a 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach and a 54-year-old man from Miami – died at the scene, while the 30-year-old driver from Florida City later died at hospital. Singh and his passenger were unhurt.
Singh fled Florida after the wreck, flying with his passenger to Sacramento, California on August 13. A nationwide manhunt followed, with the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) arresting him in Stockton on August 16. He has since been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and is being held on an ICE detainer.
DHS records show Singh was first arrested by Border Patrol shortly after crossing illegally in 2018. He was processed for expedited removal but claimed asylum, saying he feared returning to India. Released on a $5,000 bond, Singh remained in the country while his case was pending. His work authorisation was denied in 2020 under the Trump Administration but later approved under the Biden Administration in 2021.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at DHS, condemned California’s decision to license Singh despite his immigration status and failed proficiency test. “Three innocent people were killed in Florida because Gavin Newsom’s California DMV issued an illegal alien a Commercial Driver’s License—this state of governance is asinine,” McLaughlin said.
“Secretary Noem and DHS are working around the clock to protect the public and get these criminal illegal aliens out of America.”
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office hit back, accusing DHS of deflecting blame. “Hey, genius: the federal government (TRUMP ADMIN) already confirmed that this guy meets federal and state immigration requirements – YOU issued him a work permit,” his office tweeted.
McLaughlin later clarified Singh’s record, noting his asylum claim and shifting work authorisations, and stressed:
“The state of California issues Commercial Drivers Licenses. There is no national CDL.”
The U.S. Marshals Service praised the cross-agency effort that led to Singh’s capture.
“This priority effort was a cross-country, multi-state and multi-agency success,” said USMS Director Gadyaces S. Serralta.
“This again proves our dedication to bring criminals to justice for what they have done, no matter where they run.”
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner said Singh’s reckless actions left families shattered.
“Three people lost their lives as a result of his recklessness, and countless friends and family members will experience the pain of their loss forever.”
The case has fuelled calls for tighter scrutiny of asylum claims, commercial licensing, and immigration checks at truck stops and weigh stations nationwide, with DHS confirming stepped-up enforcement is now “on the table.”
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