On Friday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Harneet Singh, 25, the brother of Harjinder Singh, had been arrested as a passenger in Harjinder’s semi-truck following the fatal crash on Florida’s Turnpike. The incident, which occurred in St. Lucie County, resulted in the deaths of three individuals. Harjinder Singh, who is accused of vehicular homicide, is currently at large, having fled to California, where Lt. Gov. Jay Collins oversaw his extradition. The arrest of Harneet Singh has intensified the political discourse around immigration issues and the safety of American highways.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement condemning California’s Department of Motor Vehicles for issuing Harjinder a Commercial Driver’s License. She expressed outrage over the situation, describing it as ‘asinine’ and emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement against illegal immigrants. McLaughlin called on Secretary Noem and DHS to continue their efforts in protecting the public by removing criminal aliens from the United States. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has firmly denied any role in Harjinder’s actions, attributing the situation to Florida’s inaction. Newsom’s spokesperson, Diana Crofts-Pelayo, defended the governor’s position, suggesting that Florida should have taken responsibility for not apprehending the suspect.
The incident has also raised concerns about the competency of drivers with limited English proficiency. Reports suggest that Harjinder Singh answered only three out of twelve verbal questions on his driver test and could identify only one street sign among four presented. These allegations have sparked a broader debate about the adequacy of driver licensing evaluations and the potential risks posed by drivers who may not fully understand traffic regulations. The case has become a focal point for discussions on immigration policy, driver safety, and the responsibilities of state governments in preventing such tragedies.