A 21-year-old Indian national, who entered the U.S. without authorization in 2022, now stands accused of causing a deadly highway crash in Ontario, California, killing three innocent people, as Daily Caller reports. It’s a tragedy that’s ignited a firestorm over state policies on commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).
This heartbreaking case involves Jashanpreet Singh, taken into custody on Oct. 22, 2025, by the Department of Homeland Security after a multi-car pileup, with charges of manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence, all while holding a California-issued CDL.
Let’s rewind to 2022, when Singh crossed the southern border without legal permission. After being released into the country, he somehow ended up with a CDL—a ticket to operate massive tractor-trailers on American highways. How does a state justify handing over such responsibility without proper vetting?
Fast forward to this year, and Singh’s alleged actions behind the wheel have left three families shattered. The crash in Ontario wasn’t just a tragic accident; it’s a glaring spotlight on the risks of lax licensing practices. One has to wonder if this could’ve been prevented with stricter oversight.
Following his arrest by local authorities, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) didn’t waste time, lodging an immigration detainer against Singh on the same day. This move signals that federal authorities aren’t playing games when it comes to accountability. It’s a small comfort to those grieving, but a necessary step.
Now, let’s talk about that CDL. California, in all its wisdom, granted Singh the right to drive commercial vehicles, a decision that’s raising eyebrows and tempers across the nation. If you’re not legally supposed to be here, should you be trusted with a rig that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) isn’t sitting idly by while states play fast and loose with safety. They’ve been cracking down on improperly issued CDLs to foreign truck drivers, and California’s track record isn’t pretty. A federal audit found “catastrophic patterns” of states unlawfully granting these licenses, with over 25% of non-domiciled CDLs in California deemed improperly issued, per a DOT press release.
Secretary Duffy, leading the charge at DOT, has made it clear that enough is enough. In September 2025, new restrictions were rolled out for commercial truck driver licensing, though they’ve sparked lawsuits from labor unions on the progressive side of the aisle. It’s a classic case of safety versus ideology, and guess which side prioritizes the public?
“California’s reckless disregard is frankly disgusting and an affront to the millions of Americans who expect us to keep them safe,” Secretary Duffy stated in a September 2025 DOT press release. Well, there’s no sugarcoating that one. When a state’s policies potentially contribute to preventable deaths, “disgusting” might just be the kindest term to use.
Duffy didn’t stop at words; specific mandates were issued to California, including a pause on non-domiciled CDLs. He’s also threatened to yank millions in funding if the state doesn’t shape up, while urging other states to revoke improperly issued licenses. It’s a bold stance, but with lives on the line, bold is the only option.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has also weighed in, pulling no punches on the broader implications. “As for this case in California, on Oct. 22, ICE lodged an immigration detainer for this individual following his arrest by local authorities in California on charges, as you know, of manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence,” Leavitt told The Daily Caller.
“He killed three people, and he first entered the United States in 2022 through the southern border. He was released into our country by the previous administration,” she continued. That’s a sobering reminder of how border policies can have ripple effects years down the road. It’s not just about entry; it’s about what happens next.
This isn’t an isolated incident but part of a disturbing trend, as federal officials have noted. The DOT’s push to clean up the mess of unlawful CDLs is a step toward protecting highways, yet California’s resistance raises questions about misplaced priorities. Are progressive agendas trumping common-sense safety?
For the families of the three victims, no policy change can undo their loss. But ensuring that only qualified, lawful drivers are behind the wheel of commercial vehicles might prevent the next tragedy. That’s a fight worth having, even if it ruffles some feathers in Sacramento.
At the end of the day, this story isn’t just about one man or one crash—it’s about a system that’s failed at its most basic duty: keeping Americans safe. If California won’t act, the federal government seems ready to step in, and frankly, it’s about time. Let’s hope this wake-up call isn’t ignored, because the cost of inaction is measured in lives.
