Fort Pierce Crash Involving Illegal Immigrant Driver
The truck driver accused of causing a fatal accident in Fort Pierce, Florida, which resulted in three deaths, was found to have failed tests in English and road signs, as reported by the investigation officials.
Background on Harjinder Singh
Harjinder Singh, who entered the United States illegally in 2018 at the southern border, received a commercial driver’s license in California. His attempt to get work authorization was denied by the Trump administration on September 14, 2020, according to Tricia McLaughlin, the Homeland Security assistant secretary for public affairs.
Investigation Findings
The Department of Transportation (DOT) revealed that during an interview conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Singh underwent an English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessment. He failed the evaluation, correctly answering only 2 out of 12 questions and identifying just 1 out of 4 traffic signs.
Charge and Arrest
Singh faces three counts of vehicular homicide and was taken into custody in Stockton, California, on August 16, 2025. The DOT stated he was issued a full-term commercial driver’s license in Washington in July 2023, despite regulations prohibiting illegal immigrants from obtaining such a license.
Previous Incidents
A roadside inspection by New Mexico State Police resulted in a speeding ticket for Singh on July 3, but he was not given the necessary English language proficiency test, which became mandatory on June 25.
The Accident
Singh allegedly executed an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike, causing his truck to jackknife and crash into a minivan, resulting in the deaths of the three individuals inside.
Political Fallout
The incident ignited a dispute between California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office and McLaughlin, as Newsom’s team sought to deflect responsibility regarding Singh’s work permit. McLaughlin clarified that Singh’s work authorization was initially rejected by the Trump administration but was later approved by the Biden administration in June 2021.
