The recent release of bodycam footage showing a New Mexico traffic stop has sparked outrage across the nation. The footage captures Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old illegal immigrant operating a semi-truck, unable to communicate in English. When asked basic questions by a state police officer, Singh’s responses were limited, particularly as he only replied with “California” when questioned about his employer. This incident shines a spotlight on serious flaws in the commercial driver’s license (CDL) approval process.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed disbelief that someone with Singh’s record could be granted a driver’s license. Singh had failed his CDL knowledge test ten times and had difficulties with the air brake portion. Despite these failures, he received his license in Washington in 2023, later obtaining one in California as well.
The situation took a tragic turn following the traffic stop. One month later, Singh was involved in a fatal crash in Fort Pierce, Florida, after committing an illegal U-turn. This reckless maneuver resulted in his semi-truck jackknifing across the highway, leading to the deaths of three people in a van. The incident has prompted legal actions, with Florida’s Attorney General now suing Washington and California for failing to follow federal requirements regarding English proficiency and immigration status checks.
During a recent brief, Duffy pointed out a systemic failure: “California is the only state in the nation that refuses to ensure big rig drivers can read our road signs and communicate with law enforcement.” He emphasized that this is a fundamental safety issue affecting the public on America’s roads.
Investigations reveal Singh’s struggles with the CDL exams, which raise further questions about both Washington and California’s licensing procedures. The lack of enforcement regarding language skills and immigration status has become a focal point of criticism. The fatal crash has intensified scrutiny, leading Florida’s Attorney General to call on the U.S. Supreme Court to address state-level decisions that disregard federal immigration laws.
Duffy connected the rhetoric to recent federal changes, which now limit CDL eligibility to certain visa holders. This move aims to address the shortcomings that led to individuals like Singh operating heavy trucks without the necessary qualifications. Duffy has previously warned states about compliance, indicating that funding could be at risk should they ignore federal language requirements.
Singh’s case isn’t the only one drawing attention. Another truck driver in California, Jashanpreet Singh, faced DUI charges and was involved in an eight-vehicle crash that also resulted in fatalities. These incidents are fueling an urgent conversation about the intersections of driver safety, immigration enforcement, and state responsibilities regarding driver licensing.
Moreover, federal law explicitly requires CDL applicants to demonstrate English proficiency through their ability to communicate with the public and understand road signs. Singh’s evident inability to do so during his interaction with law enforcement highlights critical gaps in the system designed to ensure safe roadways. Duffy has posited that Singh’s ability to pass the licensing exams could only come through fraudulent practices, given the evidence at hand.
Despite the claims from Singh’s training company asserting his English skills, the bodycam footage and test records suggest otherwise. The repeated failures and subsequent issuance of a CDL question the integrity of the entire licensing process in Washington and California.
In light of the recent tragic events, the broader implications of these cases are becoming clearer, particularly with the Florida Attorney General’s petition possibly shaping regulations that prevent states from granting CDLs to illegal immigrants. Supporters of tighter regulations argue that it is essential for public safety, while critics worry about potential profiling and how it may disrupt labor supply chains reliant on immigrant workers.
Ultimately, many observers are concerned about a more fundamental issue: the right to safety on the roads. Duffy’s unequivocal call for accountability and reform emphasizes the urgent need for stronger oversight in the licensing process following evidence of a system in distress. The outrage from the public, as reflected in Duffy’s comments and the widespread reactions online, echoes a growing demand for changes that prioritize safety above all else.
"*" indicates required fields
