FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Diya TV) — An illegal immigrant truck driver accused of killing three people in a deadly crash has been returned to Florida to face charges. Authorities say Harjinder Singh, who fled to California after the wreck, was escorted back to the state by Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins. Collins confirmed Singh’s return in a social media post, saying, “He thought he could run. Gov. Ron DeSantis and I brought him back to face justice.”
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said the crash happened on August 12 in St. Lucie County. Officials said Harjinder Singh attempted to make an illegal U-turn through an “Official Use Only” access point.
By blocking all lanes of the highway with his tractor-trailer, Singh caused a violent collision. Three people died instantly in the crash, leaving families across Florida devastated. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents also arrested Singh’s younger brother, 25-year-old Harneet Singh. Authorities said he was inside the truck when the crash happened. ICE confirmed Harneet Singh will remain in custody while removal proceedings continue.
The Department of Homeland Security said Border Patrol first encountered Harneet Singh in 2023. Instead of deportation, officials released him into the United States. Like his brother, authorities said he was living in the country illegally. Records show Harjinder Singh failed the English language proficiency exam before getting his commercial license. He gave correct answers to only two of twelve verbal questions. He also identified just one of four highway traffic signs during the test.
Despite his poor results, Singh managed to obtain a commercial driver’s license in California. That license allowed him to drive the truck that caused the deadly crash. In the aftermath of the wreck, U.S. officials announced new restrictions on foreign truck drivers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the government would halt all visas for commercial truck drivers effective immediately.
“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio said.
Florida leaders say Singh’s case shows the dangers of weak border enforcement. Lt. Gov. Collins said the crash highlights the need for stricter immigration and safety laws.
“We will not allow reckless drivers who entered this country illegally to threaten the safety of our families,” Collins said.
Gov. DeSantis has repeatedly criticized federal immigration policies. He said his administration would continue to work with state and local agencies to ensure accountability. The deaths of the three victims have left families in mourning and raised concerns about highway safety. Residents of St. Lucie County said the crash underscores the risks drivers face on busy Florida highways.
Officials have not yet released the names of the victims. Families are expected to speak publicly in the coming weeks as court proceedings begin. Harjinder Singh now faces charges in Florida for his role in the fatal collision. Authorities said he will remain in custody as the case moves forward. His brother Harneet remains detained by ICE, pending possible deportation.
The tragedy has sparked national debate over trucking safety and immigration enforcement. Critics say Singh should never have been allowed behind the wheel. Supporters of tougher policies argue the crash shows why stronger rules are needed. As the community grieves, state and federal officials continue to investigate how Singh received his license and whether further reforms are necessary.
