Singh is charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and is facing possible deportation
STOCKTON, California — A deadly crash in Florida that killed three people is now fueling a national political fight and the driver at the center of it is from Stockton.
Authorities say 28-year-old Harjinder Singh was behind the wheel of a semi-truck that made an illegal U-turn across all northbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike. A minivan collided with the truck, killing all three people inside instantly. Singh is charged with three counts of vehicular homicide.
Federal records show Singh crossed the southern border illegally in 2018 before later obtaining a California commercial driver’s license. That detail has drawn sharp political reaction.
A Homeland Security official blasted Gov. Gavin Newsom online, criticizing California of allowing undocumented drivers to get licenses. Newsom’s office pushed back, saying Singh’s federal work permit was approved in Washington, D.C.
Political analyst Steve Swatt says Newsom’s aggressive responses are becoming more common.
“He is getting known nationwide as a fighter against Trump, and he’s right now in the upper third tier of potential presidential candidates in 2028,” Swatt said.
Immigration attorney Julian Sanchez Mora with Immigrant Crime and Justice, emphasized that Singh’s fate will not be determined by political sparring.
“Anyone, regardless of immigration status is entitled to due process under the U.S. Constitution. That goes to U.S. citizens, lawful residents, and those here as undocumented immigrants,” Sanchez Mora said.
Swatt added that Newsom’s online strategy is deliberate.
“One way that Governor Newsom is getting noticed is that he is basically playing President Trump’s digital game. Yes, it may seem juvenile to a lot of people, but it seems to be working. It seems to be getting underneath the skin of the White House,” he said.
For now, Singh is being held in San Joaquin County Jail as the legal process continues. Sheriff Patrick Withrow said Singh will eventually be sent back to Florida to face the homicide charges before federal immigration courts decide if he will be deported.
