Controversial truck driver involved in collision remains detained due to dispute between Trump administration and California governor Newsom.
Truck Driver Accused of Causing Fatal Accident Remains in Custody
Harjinder Singh, a native of India, is currently being held in the St. Lucie County Jail in Florida following a fatal U-turn accident last week. The accident resulted in the death of three individuals and has sparked a dispute between Florida authorities and California Gov. Gavin Newsom over Singh's case.
According to Florida authorities, Singh entered the U.S. illegally from Mexico in 2018. He obtained a commercial driver's license and work authorization in California, but allegedly did so irregularly, without providing proof of legal residency or passing the required English proficiency test, which is mandatory for commercial licenses in California.
The accident occurred about 50 miles north of West Palm Beach, Florida. Singh was driving a truck that made an illegal turn on the highway. In the neighboring lane, a minivan was unable to avoid the truck's trailer, resulting in the tragic loss of the minivan's driver and two passengers. Singh and his passenger were not injured.
Singh has been charged with three state counts of vehicular homicide and immigration violations. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis dispatched Lt. Gov. Jay Collins to escort Singh onto an airplane on Thursday. However, a judge denied Singh bond on Saturday.
The crash has also sparked a clash between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and California Gov. Gavin Newsom over Singh's case. Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that issuing a commercial license to someone in the country illegally is "asinine." California is one of 19 states, including the District of Columbia, that issues licenses regardless of immigration status.
There is a dispute over when Singh obtained his work permit. California's press office states it was during the presidency of Donald Trump, while McLaughlin disputes this claim. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has put a hold on Singh.
The tragic accident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for proper documentation and adherence to laws, regardless of one's immigration status. The investigation into the accident is ongoing, and further updates are expected in the coming days.
