Indian immigrant driver kills three in Florida; Kristi Noem blames California's governor for issuing him a license

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Tuesday called the deaths of three people in Florida a “gut-wrenching tragedy” and accused California of enabling the crash by issuing a commercial driver’s license to an undocumented immigrant.

The accident occurred when a semi-truck, driven by Harjinder Singh, made a wrong U-turn, leading to the deaths of three people traveling in another vehicle. Singh had obtained his license in California under the state’s policy allowing undocumented residents to apply for driver’s licenses.

3 innocent people were killed in Florida because Gavin Newsom’s California DMV issued an illegal alien a Commercial Driver’s License.

This gut wrenching tragedy should have never happened.

My team at @DHSgov will work with @USDOT to root out and prevent illegal aliens from…

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) August 18, 2025

“Three innocent people were killed in Florida because Gavin Newsom’s California DMV issued an illegal alien a Commercial Driver’s License. This gut wrenching tragedy should have never happened,” Secretary Noem posted on X.

In a separate statement, DHS called California’s licensing approach “asinine.” The department added, “How many more innocent people have to die before Gavin Newsom stops playing games with the safety of the American public? We pray for the victims and their families. Secretary Noem and DHS are working around the clock to protect the public and get these criminal illegal aliens out of America.”

Three innocent people were killed in Florida because Gavin Newsom’s California DMV issued an illegal alien a Commercial Driver’s License—this state of governance is asinine.

How many more innocent people have to die before Gavin Newsom stops playing games with the safety of the… https://t.co/QrEMOsDnIL

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) August 18, 2025

Singh’s immigration history

DHS confirmed that Singh entered the US illegally through the southern border in 2018 and was arrested within two days. He claimed fear of returning to India, which was recognized by US Citizenship and Immigration Services, leading to his release on a $5,000 bond. His immigration case remained unresolved, but he was able to obtain a driver’s license in California.

False. Harjinder Singh is in the United States illegally and his work authorization was rejected under the Trump Administration on September 14, 2020. It was later approved under the Biden Administration June 9, 2021.

The state of California issues Commercial Drivers Licenses.… https://t.co/4YSs3qIj2B

— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) August 18, 2025

Political divide over accountability

The Florida crash has fuelled sharp exchanges between DHS and California, reflecting broader political disagreements over sanctuary policies, immigration enforcement, and public safety. While DHS blames California’s licensing system, California officials highlight the federal government’s responsibility for immigration control.

As investigations into the crash continue, the deaths of the three victims have become the focal point of a renewed national debate on immigration and state versus federal authority.