Undocumented Trucker Accused In FL Crash That Killed 3, Authorities Say

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FL — An immigration detainer has been issued against a trucker accused of making an illegal U-turn that led to a deadly crash in Florida, federal officials said Monday.

Harjinder Singh, who was commercially licensed in California, is facing three counts of vehicular homicide after Florida authorities said he made an illegal U-turn in an 18-wheeler on Aug. 12 at an "official use only" access point at the Florida Turnpike in St. Lucie County.

The tractor-trailer completely blocked the highway and caused a crash that killed three people, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Florida authorities said Singh unlawfully entered the U.S. from Mexico in 2018.

On Monday, Homeland Security announced an immigration detainer was put into place Saturday to ensure Singh will go into the custody of immigration officials after his criminal case is wrapped. Homeland Security and the Department of Immigration Customs and Enforcement issued the detainer.

Homeland Security shared video from Breaking911, which federal officials say depicts when Singh attempted the U-turn.

The Florida case has brought attention to California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the licensing practices in the Golden State. Homeland Security said California issued Singh a CDL even though he had "no legal right to be in the United States."

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, a person may acquire a CDL if they are at least 18 years old, have completed a medical examination, have a state driver's license prior to applying for a commercial learner's permit and successfully completes a road test and vehicle inspection.

“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,” Tricia McLaughlin, Homeland Security's assistant secretary for public affairs, said in a news release.

“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. (Homeland Security) Secretary (Kristi) Noem and DHS are working around the clock to protect the public and get these criminal illegal aliens out of America.”

It was not immediately known if Singh was in custody at the St. Lucie County Jail on Tuesday.