Florida Highway Patrol troopers did not inquire about the immigration status of a truck driver involved in a fatal crash on the Turnpike for two days, raising significant concerns about procedural adherence and policy enforcement. The incident, which occurred on August 12, 2023, resulted in the deaths of three individuals, prompting scrutiny from state officials, including Governor Ron DeSantis.
The driver, Harjinder Singh, 28, is currently held in a St. Lucie County jail on three counts of vehicular homicide and three counts of manslaughter. According to reports, Singh made a sudden U-turn in front of a minivan, leading to a collision that killed all three passengers of the vehicle. Initial investigations did not prompt troopers to question Singh’s immigration status, as he possessed a valid commercial driver’s license issued by California, a state that allows licenses regardless of immigration status.
Concerns escalated when it became known that Singh had entered the United States illegally through Mexico in 2018. He had since applied for asylum, which was granted, allowing him to remain in the country pending a court date set for 2027 due to the immigration court backlog. The lack of immediate checks into his immigration status has sparked debates about the enforcement responsibilities of the Florida Highway Patrol, particularly as most troopers are authorized to enforce federal immigration laws.
Investigation Details and Backlash
The investigation into the crash took a turn when a dashboard camera video from Singh’s vehicle surfaced on social media, leading to an arrest warrant issued on August 15. The video raised alarm among officials, including DeSantis, who labeled Singh an “illegal immigrant” and linked the case to broader issues of state immigration policies.
DeSantis has publicly criticized “sanctuary states” like California for issuing Singh a driver’s license. His administration has not clarified why Singh was allowed to leave the state following the incident. Authorities from California have since expressed frustration, stating that Florida’s law enforcement allowed a “murder suspect” to go free initially.
During the crash investigation, it was noted that Singh required an interpreter to communicate with law enforcement. His performance on an English Language Proficiency assessment raised further questions; he struggled to identify basic traffic signs. The U.S. Department of Transportation confirmed that Singh had previously been denied a work permit in 2020 under the Trump administration but was granted one in 2021 during President Joe Biden’s tenure.
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigations
As the situation unfolds, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is reviewing Singh’s licensing history, while Washington state officials have confirmed they are investigating the legitimacy of his commercial driving credentials.
In a recent statement, DeSantis emphasized that troopers were initially unable to gather sufficient evidence at the crash scene due to the absence of surviving witnesses. He noted, “If you had someone that had survived, then you may have been able to get probable cause at the scene.” This assertion has drawn skepticism, as it has been reported that there were at least four witnesses present during the crash, including Singh’s brother.
Following the incident, Singh exercised his right to legal representation through an interpreter and did not provide a statement to law enforcement. The aftermath of the crash continues to reverberate through political circles, with DeSantis’ administration leveraging the situation to spotlight immigration policies and their implications.
While the case has become a focal point in debates surrounding immigration enforcement, it also underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing complex immigration issues within the context of public safety. As investigations continue, the need for clarity on procedures and oversight remains paramount.
