Florida has escalated a legal dispute to the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging California's practice of granting commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to individuals illegally residing in the country. The lawsuit, announced by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on Wednesday, contends that these licenses are issued in violation of federal safety regulations, which mandate that truck operators be proficient in English.
The case stems from a tragic incident on Florida’s Turnpike in August, where Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant from India with a California-issued CDL, was involved in a fatal crash that claimed three lives. Singh's limited English proficiency, which reportedly hindered his ability to read road signs, would have disqualified him from obtaining a CDL under Florida's compliance with federal standards.
Attorney General Uthmeier, in his appearance on Fox News with Sean Hannity, criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and his administration for their sanctuary policies. Uthmeier argued that such policies not only undermine federal immigration laws but also jeopardize public safety on a national level.
Florida's legal petition specifically targets California's approach as a public safety threat and claims that state policies prevent agencies from checking immigration status, thereby creating a "public nuisance." The filing urges the Supreme Court to prevent California from issuing CDLs to those not lawfully present in the United States, asserting that federal law should override state policies that ignore residency and training prerequisites.
In response to the ongoing issue, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has already taken action by withholding $40 million in highway funds from California for failing to enforce the English language requirements for CDL holders. The state faces the possibility of losing an additional $160 million if it does not comply within the stipulated 30-day period.
Meanwhile, Florida has ramped up its own enforcement efforts. Inspection stations along Interstate 10 and agricultural checkpoints have been tasked with verifying the credentials of drivers with out-of-state licenses. Since the implementation of these measures, nearly 150 drivers suspected of being in the country illegally have been detained and referred to federal authorities.
Despite these efforts, concerns remain that some drivers may circumvent inspections by using alternative routes. To address this, Florida has installed cameras along these back roads to ensure compliance. While California is the primary focus of the lawsuit, Florida has also expressed concerns about Washington state's similar licensing practices.
Harjinder Singh currently awaits trial for vehicular homicide and immigration violations. Attorney General Uthmeier emphasized that the issue at hand extends beyond a single individual, accusing California's leadership of being fully aware of the dangers their policies pose to public safety.
