The United States has arrested Partap Singh, an undocumented Indian national, following a multi-vehicle crash involving his 18-wheeler that critically injured a five-year-old girl and her father. Singh, who crossed the southern border illegally in October 2022, had obtained a California commercial driver’s license despite lacking legal status. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration, stating that “innocent lives are being put at risk” by issuing licenses to those without legal residency.
This marks the second such case this year. In August, Harjinder Singh, another Indian national without legal status, was charged with vehicular homicide in Florida after causing a fatal crash. Both incidents have intensified scrutiny of state licensing policies and raised calls for stricter measures. Singh remains in ICE custody while his immigration case proceeds.
The Department of Homeland Security has emphasized its ongoing commitment to removing individuals deemed dangerous and reiterated its position that such tragedies are preventable through stronger immigration enforcement.