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Washington State Department of License is investigating how illegal immigrants get commercial driver’s licenses as problems are imminent after the fatal collapse Florida Three people were killed last Tuesday.
The case reignited debate on state licensing loopholes and immigration enforcement, raising questions about the possibility that non-citizens without legal status can still obtain commercial driver’s licenses.
A spokesperson told Fox News Digital in an email Thursday that “the licensing department is investigating the 2023 release of Mr Singh’s previous commercial driver’s license. At present, I have no timetable on when the investigation will be completed and there is no content we can post.”
The suspect Harjinder Singh illegally entered the United States on the southern border in 2018, but he refused to authorize his work in 2020 by the Trump First Administration. Still, according to the Department of Homeland Security, he was still able to obtain a commercial driver’s license in California.
Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old illegal foreigner from India, was arrested on August 16, 2025, allegedly attempting to make an unauthorized turnaround in the FT. Three people were killed in a crash Tuesday in Pierce, Florida. (US Marshal Service)
In addition, he obtained a commercial driver’s license in Washington State in July 2023, which is illegal. Ministry of Transport.
The driver allegedly turned around in an area on the Florida toll road, where such turns were banned, causing his truck to crash with a minivan and killed three people. In addition, he failed to pass federal investigators in English proficiency assessment and road sign testing.
“period [Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s] “Investigators were interviewed by the driver and conducted an English proficiency (ELP) assessment based on FMCSA guidance,” DOT said in a statement. “The driver failed to perform the assessment, provided the correct answers to only 2 of 12 verbal questions, and identified only 1 of 4 highway traffic signals accurately.”
The California Department of Motor Vehicles did not respond to a request for comment on issuing the license. But the press office of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, California, spoke with Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, on X.com to explain the details of how he obtained a work permit.
Harjinder Singh accompanied Florida Gov. Jay Collins and law enforcement on Thursday, August 21, 2025 on the plane in Stockton, California. (Benjamin Fanjoy/AP photo)
“Hey, Genius: The federal government (Trump Administrator) has confirmed that this person meets federal and state immigration requirements – you issued him a work permit (EAD). As usual, the Trump administration is either lying or ignorant,” Newsom’s press office released earlier this week.
“Error. Harjinder Singh was illegal in the United States and his work authorization was rejected on September 14, 2020 under the Trump administration. Later, it was approved under the Biden administration on June 9, 2021. California issued a commercial driver license. No National CDL. Sincerely, genius, genius.” McLaughlin replied.
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Singh was extradited to Florida from California on Thursday. Other states are also concerned that illegal immigrants are also issued standard driver’s licenses, including allegations from whistleblowers Kentucky Claims that people will pay at the table to obtain a license illegally.
Tractor trailer at the entrance to the Baltimore Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland, USA on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. (Nathan Howard)
Lora Ries, director of the Heritage Foundation’s Center for Border Security and Immigration, told Singh the case could happen first.
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“Just like states issue driver’s licenses, they also issue commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). Unless they are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents (green card holders), CDLs should not be issued to someone.
Experts continued: “Note that the Trump administration denied Harjinder Singh’s work authorization application, but the Biden administration later approved his request. This is enough to exploit this CDL vulnerability in a willing state.”
Peter D’Abrosca of Fox News Digital contributed to the report.
Senior News Analyst & National Affairs Writer
Prabhat Sharma is a veteran journalist with over 12 years of experience covering national news, current affairs, and breaking stories across India. Known for his analytical approach and in-depth reporting, Prabhat brings clarity to complex topics and delivers content that informs, educates, and empowers readers.
He is passionate about political transparency, policy analysis, and the evolving landscape of Indian journalism.
When he’s not writing, you’ll find him reading non-fiction, watching documentaries, or exploring offbeat destinations
