In a recent announcement, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) confirmed that state authorities are set to take custody of Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant implicated in a catastrophic truck accident in St. Lucie County that resulted in three fatalities. The incident occurred last week and has since ignited a fervent discussion on the enforcement of federal regulations.
Singh, who entered the United States illegally in 2018, managed to secure commercial driver’s licenses in both Washington State and California, despite his inability to pass required English proficiency tests. His lack of language skills was highlighted by his failure to answer 10 out of 12 verbal questions correctly and his identification of only one out of four traffic signs in the tests.
Governor DeSantis, addressing the gravity of the situation, stated, “Extradite him back to the state of Florida, and we’re gonna throw the book at him when he gets back here for what he did.” His comments underscored a commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The licenses issued to Singh allowed him to operate a 40-ton commercial vehicle, casting a spotlight on potential shortcomings in the federal and state enforcement of safety standards, particularly under the Biden administration. The U.S. Department of Transportation has confirmed that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is leading a federal investigation into the matter.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy described the crash as a “preventable tragedy,” lamenting the non-enforcement of safety standards that contributed to the loss of three lives. Preliminary findings from the FMCSA have revealed additional enforcement lapses. For instance, on July 3, New Mexico State Police conducted a roadside inspection of Singh’s vehicle but failed to administer the mandatory English assessment.
The enforcement gaps in question pertain not only to Singh’s individual case but also to systemic issues in the commercial licensing process and the oversight of foreign nationals operating large commercial vehicles in the United States.
Governor DeSantis, known for his stringent immigration policies, also pointed out that the trucking company employing Singh should be held accountable, stating, “Companies like this cannot be allowed to put Americans at risk.” This stance is in line with his administration’s broader approach to immigration and regulation enforcement.
The fatal crash, which occurred during a U-turn maneuver by Singh in a semitruck that collided with a minivan, tragically claimed the lives of all three minivan occupants. The Department of Transportation has noted that the federal investigation will support Florida’s ongoing criminal probe into the crash.
As Florida prepares to prosecute Singh, the case serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of allowing unqualified individuals to operate commercial vehicles. It also raises questions about the Biden administration's oversight of such licensing practices. With DeSantis’s firm stance on enforcement, Florida is positioning itself as a leader in accountability, contrasting with the perceived regulatory failures in other states.
