Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is taking a firm stance against certain policies in California and Washington that permit illegal aliens to work as truck drivers. His actions follow the tragic incident involving Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant from India who allegedly caused the deaths of three people during a U-turn on the Florida Turnpike. Singh was employed by White Hawk Carriers, a company located in California. He obtained commercial driver’s licenses in both California and Washington despite his illegal status in the U.S. after entering the country in 2018.
In a statement, Uthmeier accused California and Washington of “ignoring the rules” that are meant to protect public safety, declaring the incident a “preventable tragedy” attributable to their sanctuary policies. Uthmeier has formally requested that the U.S. Department of Transportation revoke these states’ authority to issue commercial licenses and cut off federal funding associated with the programs that allow such licenses.
“As a state, we are taking steps to enhance the qualifications for who can operate large commercial vehicles on our roads,” Uthmeier said. He emphasized the need for stringent oversight and support for law enforcement, particularly in agriculture, to ensure that illegal aliens are not driving trucks. “If you’re here illegally or can’t speak English, you have no business operating large commercial vehicles on Florida’s roads,” Uthmeier asserted.
In addition, Uthmeier highlighted efforts from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Commissioner Wilton Simpson is working to transform Florida’s interdiction stations into robust centers for immigration enforcement. Uthmeier stated, “Together, we will ensure dangerous drivers are taken off the road and criminals serve their time before deportation.” These statements reflect a clear commitment to prioritizing safety and law enforcement in driving regulations.
The federal response to this case includes a nationwide audit of state licensing practices initiated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Secretary Sean Duffy has underscored the significance of this investigation as a way to regain control over the trucking licensing system, which he claims has been exploited due to lax policies from previous administrations. “The open borders policies of the last administration allowed millions to flood our country—leading to serious allegations that the trucking licensing system is being exploited,” Duffy stated.
Results from Singh’s assessments display alarming deficiencies in his ability to operate a vehicle safely. He reportedly failed an English language proficiency test, answering only two of twelve questions correctly. Additionally, he identified just one of four highway traffic signs shown to him. These significant shortcomings raise further questions about the appropriateness of his licensure.
The call for revocation of California and Washington’s licenses stems from a broader concern regarding roadside safety. This situation has drawn attention to the complexities surrounding driver qualifications and the need for states to adhere to federal standards. The implications of these policies are serious, as they directly affect families who rely on the safety of highways. The ongoing discussion around such regulatory frameworks adds another layer to the debate over immigration and public safety.
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