News Summary
Florida’s Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins has accused California’s immigration policies of contributing to a tragic accident that claimed the lives of three Floridians. The incident involves an illegal immigrant truck driver who allegedly made an illegal U-turn, resulting in a deadly crash. Collins emphasized the need for a reassessment of California’s immigration laws, criticizing the state’s leniency as a contributing factor. As investigations proceed, discussions on public safety and immigration policy are expected to intensify between the two states.
California — Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins has directly blamed California’s immigration policies for a tragic traffic accident that resulted in the deaths of three Floridians. The incident occurred on August 12, 2025, when Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant truck driver, made an illegal U-turn on Florida’s Turnpike, leading to a collision with a van that killed three occupants.
Collins spoke at the Stockton Airport near Interstate 5 on August 21, 2025, during a visit to the state aimed at extraditing Singh back to Florida to face criminal charges. He emphasized the necessity for immediate attention to the issue, categorizing the event as a significant tragedy that highlights systemic problems related to immigration enforcement.
During his address, Collins criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom, stating that his administration’s failed policies were to blame for the deadly crash. He brought to light Singh’s actions, describing him as a “thug” who fled to California knowing that he would be protected by the state’s lenient immigration laws. Singh had illegally crossed the U.S. border and was able to obtain a commercial driver’s license in California despite failing three out of sixteen questions in an English proficiency assessment administered by Florida’s Highway Patrol.
Following the August 12 crash, which resulted in the loss of three lives, Singh was arrested on August 16, 2025, and now faces three counts of vehicular homicide in Florida. This incident has raised notable questions regarding how an undocumented immigrant like Singh managed to secure a commercial driver’s license in both California and Washington State, where he initially obtained his CDL in July 2023.
Investigation and Concerns
The Washington State Department of Licensing has initiated an investigation to better understand how Singh was able to acquire a commercial driver’s license contrary to federal laws that prohibit undocumented immigrants from obtaining such qualifications. This scrutiny is particularly focused on potential loopholes in state licensing processes and immigration enforcement practices.
Singh’s situation becomes even more complex as he secured a limited-term, non-domiciled license in California despite failing to receive work authorization under immigration policies from the Trump administration. This sequence of events has forced lawmakers and law enforcement to reassess California’s sanctuary laws, which are believed to have enabled Singh to sidestep immigration restrictions.
Response from California Officials
In the wake of Collins’ remarks, representatives from Governor Newsom’s office highlighted controversies within Florida, including accusations regarding the state allowing a murder suspect to evade justice. They criticized Collins, alleging that his comments were merely an attempt at political posturing during his visit to California.
Collins countered the claims of the Newsom administration by stressing the severity of Singh’s actions and the dangers posed to American citizens due to rampant illegal immigration. He raised concerns about the ongoing effects of California’s immigration policies, questioning how many more lives could be lost if the current situation continues unaddressed.
Broader Implications for Public Safety
The death of three Floridians has heightened discussions about the increasing frequency with which illegal immigrants are obtaining both regular and commercial driver’s licenses, bringing systemic loopholes to the forefront of public safety debates. Collins underscored that fleeing to a “sanctuary state” will not shield individuals like Singh from facing justice for their actions.
As investigations continue, stakeholders from both states are expected to engage in discussions about immigration policy, state licensing regulations, and public safety measures. This incident serves as a chilling reminder of the complexities and potential dangers surrounding illegal immigration and the effectiveness of current policies in addressing these issues.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox News: Florida Official Confronts Newsom Over Crash Tied to Illegal Immigrant Trucker
- Wikipedia: Illegal Immigration in the United States
- Fox News: Blue State Investigates How Illegal Immigrant Trucker Got License Before Deadly Florida Crash
- Google Search: Illegal Immigrant Truck Driver Florida Crash
- Fox 35 Orlando: Florida Lt. Gov. Extradites Undocumented Immigrant Accused of Driver Crash That Killed 3
- Google Scholar: Illegal Immigration Policies California
- New York Post: Illegal Immigrant Trucker Charged in Deadly Wreck Flown Back to Florida After Fleeing to Sanctuary State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- Tallahassee.com: DeSantis on Illegal Driver and Congress
- Google News: Florida Truck Accident Illegal Immigrant
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
