The white house issued a statement on 18/8 regarding a fatal crash on a florida highway, blaming california's "sanctuary state" policies. "This illegal immigrant, an indian national, was granted a driver's license in the so-called 'sanctuary state' of California, whose reckless policies threaten the lives of American citizens every day," the statement read.
On the afternoon of 12/8, Harjinder Singh, identified as an undocumented immigrant, made an illegal u-turn with his tractor-trailer at an emergency vehicle only crossover on the turnpike near Fort Pierce, Florida. A minivan collided with the truck, killing all three occupants.
Police confirmed Singh held a commercial driver's license (CDL) from California, which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses. The white house statement criticized california governor Gavin Newsom for claiming that licensing undocumented immigrants "improves public safety." The statement quoted the department of homeland security: "How many more innocent lives must be lost before Newsom stops playing games with people's safety?".
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Singh making the u-turn. Video: X/Breaking911
The white house's accusations sparked a debate with the california government and media. The *San Francisco Chronicle* pointed out two inaccuracies in the white house statement. First, while california passed a law in 2013 allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses, it specifically excluded CDLs. Second, california's "sanctuary state" law, which limits local police cooperation with federal immigration authorities, has exceptions for fatal crashes involving undocumented immigrants.
Newsom's spokesperson, Diana Crofts-Pelayo, confirmed Singh had a CDL but noted he received an employment authorization document (EAD) in 2018, during Trump's first term. EADs issued during asylum applications are legally accepted for CDL applications in all states. "He would have been eligible for a license in any state. California follows federal law, which the president seems unaware of," Crofts-Pelayo stated.
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Department of homeland security secretary Kristi Noem (left) and california governor Gavin Newsom. *Photo: Reuters* |
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed the white house's criticism on X. "Three innocent people died in florida because Newsom's california DMV gave a CDL to an illegal immigrant. This tragedy was preventable. We will work with the department of transportation to crack down on illegal immigrants getting licenses in sanctuary areas," she wrote.
Newsom's office retorted, "You gave the suspect an EAD," adding, "P.S. Who was president in 2018?".
Singh, 28, is currently detained on manslaughter and immigration violation charges. Authorities confirmed he entered the US illegally from mexico in 2018.
Duc Trung (*AP, Washington Post, SF Chronicle*)
