Federal Investigation Launched Into Florida Crash Involving Illegal Immigrant Trucker

A recent deadly crash in Florida involving a tractor-trailer driven by an illegal immigrant has sparked national outrage. The incident has since triggered a federal investigation into how the driver obtained a commercial driver’s license (CDL) which was announced on Wednesday. The accident, caused by an illegal U-turn, killed three people and left several questions about failures in both state and federal oversight.

The driver, Harjinder Singh, was arrested at the scene and is reportedly in the United States illegally.

Questions Over CDL Approval

The case has raised concerns about how Singh was able to obtain a CDL despite federal requirements. Commercial truck drivers must pass written and road tests, meet medical standards, and—under regulations implemented earlier this year—demonstrate proficiency in English.

California and Washington state have emerged as key players in the controversy. Records indicate Singh’s work authorization was denied initially under the Trump administration.

Washington State’s Department of Licensing has faced criticism for issuing driver’s licenses allegedly without requiring proof of legal residency.

According to the Department of Transportation website:

• On July 15, 2023, Washington State issued the driver a regular full-term Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
  • Asylum seekers or individuals without legal status are NOT eligible for this type of license.
• On July 23, 2024, California issued the driver a limited-term/non-domiciled CDL.
  • FMCSA is investigating the issuance of this license to determine whether it was issued in accordance with Federal regulations.

Political Fallout

California Governor Gavin Newsom attempted to shift blame by claiming Singh’s CDL had been granted under President Trump.

However, records indicate the opposite: the Trump administration denied it on September 14, 2020, but was later approved under the Biden administration on June 9, 2021, after federal policy changes eased restrictions.

Video:

FACT CHECK: @DHSgov shut down Gavin Newsom’s claim that @POTUS is responsible for the illegal immigrant who was granted a commercial driver’s license in California amid deadly Florida crash that killed 3. pic.twitter.com/xFbrbrclyR

— FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) August 19, 2025

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that his office has launched an investigation into the circumstances leading up to the Florida crash.

“This tragedy should never have happened,” Secretary Duffy said in a statement. “Our priority is ensuring that federal and state systems are not exploited to put unqualified or unlawful drivers behind the wheel of 80,000-pound vehicles. We are investigating how this individual slipped through the cracks, and we will hold accountable anyone responsible for enabling it.” Judicial Watch also weighed in on X, noting their concerns over the trucking industry after repeated failures to enforce CDL laws. “Unsafe drivers on our roads = deadly consequences,” while calling for accountability.

Next Steps

The Department of Transportation has pledged a full review of licensing procedures and state compliance. Lawmakers are expected to demand answers on how the Biden administration’s changes to CDL eligibility may have contributed to Singh’s approval.

Meanwhile, the families of the Florida victims are left grieving from a crash that critics say could have been prevented.