Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins makes remarks at a news conference on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Stockton, Calif. (Benjamin Fanjoy/AP Photo)
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT TRUCKER ACCUSED OF KILLING THREE PEOPLE FAILED ENGLISH, ROAD SIGN TESTS: DOT
On Aug. 12, Harjinder Singh allegedly made an illegal U-turn in an unauthorized area on the Florida Turnpike, colliding with a minivan and killing three people. He was arrested in California, where he fled after the deadly crash.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) said that after the crash Singh failed English and road sign tests.
"During [Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s] interview with the driver, investigators administered an English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessment in accordance with FMCSA guidance. The driver failed the assessment, providing correct responses to just 2 of 12 verbal questions and only accurately identifying 1 of 4 highway traffic signs," DOT’s statement read.
Collins did not hold back in his criticism of California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s immigration policies during a news conference in the Golden State.
"How many more lives have to be lost because of Gavin Newsom's failed policies? How many more lives have to be lost because of fentanyl, because of gangs, because of rampant disregard for American citizens?" he asked.
He also questioned how California could have issued the CDL to someone who "didn’t have basic English proficiency" and "didn’t know the road signs."
During the news conference, Collins responded to a charge from Newsom that he was there for media attention, calling it "a bunch of hogwash." He then took the opportunity to blast Newsom, saying that he doesn’t understand "the first thing about leadership."
"I am out here answering questions in California because I believe in protecting our citizenry that much," Collins said.
Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old illegal alien from India who was arrested on Aug. 16, 2025, allegedly attempted to make an unauthorized U-turn in Ft. Pierce, Florida on Tuesday, resulting in a crash that killed three people. (U.S. Marshals Service )
McLaughlin fired back saying the claim was "false" and that Singh’s work authorization was rejected in September 2020.
"It was later approved under the Biden Administration [on] June 9, 2021. The state of California issues Commercial Driver’s Licenses. There is no national CDL," McLaughlin wrote.
A spokesperson for Newsom told Fox News Digital that Singh was reissued a work permit on April 9, and once again blamed Trump.
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Collins vowed that Florida would ensure Singh is "brought to justice," echoing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ sentiment.
"Fleeing to a sanctuary state will not prevent him from facing justice in Florida, and we will make sure of that. He will be held accountable for his criminal actions," DeSantis told Fox News Digital on Wednesday.
Fox News Digital’s Peter D'Abrosca, Charles Creitz and Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
Rachel Wolf is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/florida-official-blasts-newsoms-failed-policies-deadly-crash-suspect-extradited