On August 18, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom following a deadly crash in Florida, where an illegal immigrant, Harjinder Singh, killed three Americans in an illegal U-turn. Singh, who obtained a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in California despite his illegal status, prompted DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin to declare, “How many more innocent people have to die before Gavin Newsom stops playing games with the safety of the American public?” The statement condemned California’s sanctuary policies, which allowed Singh to secure a CDL under a 2013 law expanded by Newsom in 2022.
The August 12 incident on Florida’s Turnpike saw Singh’s semi-truck crush a minivan, leading to his arrest for three counts of vehicular homicide and an ICE detainer. DHS, under Secretary Kristi Noem, accused Newsom of endangering lives by enabling undocumented immigrants to drive commercial vehicles. Newsom’s office countered, noting Singh entered the U.S. in 2018 under Trump’s administration and received a work permit in 2020 under Biden, arguing that federal regulations govern CDLs.
The clash highlights tensions over immigration enforcement, with DHS and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis decrying California’s policies, while Newsom defends them as enhancing public safety. Critics argue sanctuary laws risk further tragedies, while supporters say they foster trust with immigrant communities. As investigations continue, the debate intensifies ahead of the 2026 midterms.
