An illegal immigrant who received a commercial driver’s license in California has been arrested after a tragic crash on the Florida Turnpike that killed three people. The accident happened on August 12, near St. Lucie County, when the driver, Harjinder Singh, attempted an illegal U-turn in his semi-truck.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Singh was driving a tractor-trailer when he tried to make a U-turn in an area designated for official use only. As he crossed over all northbound lanes, he collided with a minivan, a 2015 Chrysler Town & Country. The impact was severe, resulting in the deaths of all three occupants of the minivan: a 30-year-old man from Florida City, a 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach, and a 54-year-old man from Miami.
Singh, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2018, was arrested at the scene and charged with vehicular homicide. An ICE detainer has also been issued against him, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding his immigration status.
This incident has raised questions about how Singh was able to obtain a commercial driver’s license in California. California has laws in place that allow undocumented immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses. The law, known as AB 60, was enacted in 2013 and has been supported by Governor Gavin Newsom, who recently extended these provisions with additional legislation.
After the crash, the state of California’s decision to issue licenses to undocumented immigrants has come under scrutiny. Critics argue that this policy could lead to dangerous situations on the road. In this case, the consequences were devastating, as three lives were lost due to Singh’s actions.
The community is mourning the victims, and this incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding immigration and road safety. As the investigation continues, many are calling for a reevaluation of policies that allow undocumented immigrants to obtain commercial licenses.