An illegal immigrant who was issued a driver’s license in California is now facing deportation after he allegedly tried to make a U-turn while driving in Florida, causing an accident that killed three people and was described as a “devastating tragedy” by a White House spokesperson, who also called out Gov. Gavin Newsom for maintaining policies that allow illegal aliens to obtain driver’s licenses in his state.
For background, on August 17, 2025, press accounts confirmed that Harjinder Singh, a man who entered the United States illegally and was issued a commercial driver’s license (CDL) by the state of California, allegedly caused a horrific crash that led to the death of three people in a minivan. After the tragic crash, criticism of California Gov. Gavin Newsom poured in over his so-called “green light” laws, which permit anyone to obtain a driver’s license, regardless of immigration status.
According to press coverage of the incident, Singh was charged with three counts of vehicular homicide, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reporting that Singh had tried to make an illegal U-turn using an “Official Use Only” access point, which caused his truck to block mutliple lanes of a highway, causing what DHS described as a “brutal wreck.”
In response to the horrific incident, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom, saying, “Three innocent people were killed in Florida because Gavin Newsom’s California Department of Motor Vehicles issued an illegal alien a Commercial Driver’s License—this state of governance is asinine.”
Continuing, Assistant Secretary McLaughlin expressed outrage over Gov. Newsom’s lax policies and sent heartfelt prayers to those affected by the crash. She said, “How many more innocent people must die before Gavin Newsom stops playing games with the safety of the American public? We pray for the victims and their families.” McLaughlin added, “Secretary Noem and DHS are working around the clock to protect the public and get these criminal illegal aliens out of America.”
Moreover, White House Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson also weighed in on the incident, telling Fox News Digital, “This is a devastating tragedy made even worse by the fact that it was totally preventable.” Jackson added, “Illegal aliens that have no legal right to be in our country certainly should not be granted commercial drivers’ licenses.” Jackson later said, “Gavin Newscum’s pro-illegal alien policies have deadly consequences, yet he continues to double down and put illegals over American citizens.”
Additionally, Executive Director Dave Kerner of the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) said that Singh’s actions were “shocking and criminal,” adding, “Three people lost their lives as a result of his recklessness, and countless friends and family members will experience the pain of their loss forever.”
"*" indicates required fields
After the tragic crash occurred, DHS reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had issued an immigration detainer for Singh on August 16, and he was subsequently arrested. DHS clarified, “This detainer ensures he will be transferred to ICE custody the moment his criminal case concludes.” Moreover, Homeland Security pointed the finger at a California policy that allows anyone in the state to obtain a driver’s license regardless of immigration status.
Featured image credit: DHS.gov