Illegal Immigrant Trucker, Who Fled to California, Faces Three Counts of Vehicular Homicide in the Sunshine State
A man accused of three counts of vehicular homicide in Florida was extradited from California on Thursday after a multi-state search. Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old immigrant from India, allegedly fled to California following a deadly crash on the Florida Turnpike that claimed the lives of three people.
The incident has ignited a political firestorm between Florida and California, with officials trading blame over immigration and licensing policies.
As the Tampa Free Press reported, on August 12, Singh attempted an illegal U-turn in a commercial truck on the Florida Turnpike, colliding with a minivan and killing its three occupants. RELATED: Deadly Florida U-Turn: Trucker Charged With Vehicular Homicide, Now Under ICE Detainer
After the crash, he fled to Stockton, California, where he was apprehended on August 16. Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins traveled to California to oversee the extradition, emphasizing the state’s commitment to bringing Singh to justice.
“Fleeing to a sanctuary state will not prevent him from facing justice in Florida,” Collins said, echoing remarks from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
READ: Feds Probe Into Deadly Florida Truck Crash, Eyes Washington, California And New Mexico Failures
During a news conference on Thursday, Collins slammed California Governor Gavin Newsom’s immigration policies, questioning how Singh, who allegedly crossed the border illegally in 2018, was able to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
A statement from the Department of Transportation (DOT) revealed that Singh had previously failed both English language and road sign tests. According to the DOT, he only answered two of twelve verbal questions correctly and identified just one of four highway traffic signs.
Newsom’s office fired back, claiming Singh had received a work permit under the Trump administration.
However, Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at Homeland Security, countered that the Trump administration had rejected Singh’s work authorization request in 2020, and that it was approved later under the Biden administration. The back-and-forth highlights the complex interplay between federal and state authorities in issuing permits and licenses.
READ: Florida And Alabama Senators Urge Action Against China’s Illegal Fishing Practices
The central question remains how a person who failed basic proficiency tests could obtain a CDL, a license that allows for the operation of heavy vehicles. Collins, during his press conference, questioned California’s licensing process and its potential role in the tragedy.
He asserted that Singh “didn’t have basic English proficiency” and “didn’t know the road signs,” yet was granted the license. The dispute over who bears responsibility—the federal government for immigration status or the state government for licensing—is ongoing.
Collins vowed that Florida would ensure Singh is “brought to justice” for his criminal actions. The extradition is seen as a victory for Florida officials, demonstrating their resolve to pursue fugitives across state lines and hold them accountable for crimes committed within their borders.
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