California’s decision to grant a commercial driver’s license to an illegal immigrant—now accused of killing three people—exposes the dangerous consequences of lax licensing and sanctuary policies that prioritize political agendas over American lives.
Illegal Immigrant Trucker Licensed by California Involved in Fatal DUI Crash
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that California granted a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to Jashanpreet Singh, an illegal immigrant from India, who is now accused of causing a multi-vehicle crash that killed three people in Ontario, California. Singh entered the country illegally during the previous administration in 2022 and was released before receiving his CDL. This incident has reignited concerns about the state’s willingness to issue critical licenses to individuals not lawfully present in the United States, putting public safety at risk and highlighting the dangers of prioritizing political correctness over American lives.
🚨 Breaking: 21-year-old truck driver Jashanpreet Singh has been arrested for DUI and vehicular manslaughter after a chain-reaction crash on the I-10 in Ontario killed three people and injured four others.
Two victims were burned beyond recognition.
Terrible. pic.twitter.com/f9EUgxG6hJ
— Digital Gal 🌸 (@DigitalGal_X) October 22, 2025
Leavitt explained that the Department of Transportation and Secretary Sean P. Duffy have already investigated this case, confirming that California’s licensing process allowed someone who “clearly [does] not deserve to uphold these positions” to operate large commercial vehicles on American highways. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken Singh into custody, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged an immigration detainer after his arrest on charges of manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence. Leavitt underscored that such tragedies are part of a “disturbing pattern” of criminal illegal aliens receiving CDLs, prompting immediate federal intervention.
Federal Crackdown on Reckless State Licensing Practices
In September, Secretary Duffy enacted new federal restrictions on the licensing of commercial truck drivers following a damning federal audit. The audit uncovered “catastrophic patterns” of states, particularly California, unlawfully granting CDLs to migrant drivers. Over 25% of reviewed non-domiciled CDLs in California were found to be “improperly issued,” according to a Department of Transportation press release. In response, the Trump administration mandated an immediate pause on issuing non-domiciled CDLs in California and threatened to pull millions of dollars in federal funding if the state failed to comply. Secretary Duffy called California’s disregard for safety “frankly disgusting and an affront to the millions of Americans who expect us to keep them safe,” emphasizing that only lawful, qualified drivers should operate big rigs on U.S. highways.
🚨 @ICEgov lodged an arrest detainer for Jashanpreet Singh, a criminal illegal alien from India, who took the lives of 3 individuals in a horrific DUI accident in San Bernadino County, California.
Singh first entered the U.S. in 2022 through the southern border and was RELEASED… pic.twitter.com/v5jtvwwuOo
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) October 23, 2025
The Department of Transportation’s decisive action represents a significant shift from the previous administration’s permissive approach, sending a clear message that national safety and the rule of law will not be sacrificed for political expediency. This crackdown aims to restore order and accountability, ensuring that states cannot undermine federal immigration and licensing standards without consequences.
Legal Pushback from Pro-Democrat Labor Unions
The Trump administration’s reforms have faced legal opposition from powerful labor unions with deep ties to Democratic politicians. After the Department of Transportation imposed stricter requirements for commercial licenses, left-leaning unions immediately filed lawsuits to block the crackdown on migrant CDLs. These unions argue that the new regulations are discriminatory, but supporters of the reforms assert that such lawsuits prioritize union power and political interests over the safety of everyday Americans. The legal battle underscores the deep ideological divide between those intent on enforcing immigration and licensing laws and those who continue to undermine them through activist litigation.
Despite union resistance, the administration’s stance remains firm: states that issue CDLs to individuals ineligible under federal law will face severe penalties, including the loss of critical funding. The message to other states is clear—improperly issued CDLs must be revoked, and only legal, qualified drivers will be trusted behind the wheel of America’s most dangerous vehicles.
Broader Implications for Public Safety and the Rule of Law
This tragic case is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of sanctuary state policies and lax enforcement eroding public trust and endangering lives. Critics warn that when states ignore federal immigration laws and grant privileges to those here unlawfully, they not only undermine the rule of law but also directly threaten the safety of American families. The Trump administration’s aggressive response signals a renewed commitment to securing the nation’s roads, defending constitutional principles, and restoring the integrity of the licensing system. The outcome of the ongoing legal and political fights will determine whether states like California can continue to defy federal standards or be held accountable to the American people.
Sources:
Illegal Trucker Accused Of Killing Three Was Given Commercial Driver’s License By California
Pro-Democrat Unions Sue Over Trump Admin’s Crackdown On Illegal Migrant Truckers
Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Takes Emergency Action To Protect America’s Roads