Did border policy fail? Illegal immigrant trucker Jashanpreet Singh arrested after deadly California crash
Illegal immigrant trucker, Jashanpreet Singh charged after fatal California crash. Image Source: BillMelugin_/X
A 21-year-old illegal immigrant from India, identified as Jashanpreet Singh, has been arrested for causing a fiery semi-truck crash that killed three people on the I-10 Freeway in San Bernardino County, California. Federal sources confirmed Singh had crossed the U.S. southern border in 2022, was released under the Biden administration’s immigration policy, and was awaiting a hearing before the tragic incident occurred.
The crash, which erupted into flames and left multiple vehicles mangled, has reignited national outrage over immigration enforcement and commercial driver safety standards.
How the Fatal Crash Happened on the I-10 Freeway
According to investigators, Singh’s big rig plowed into slow-moving traffic without braking, triggering a multi-vehicle pileup that claimed the lives of three individuals, including Clarence and Lisa Nelson, a former Pomona High School basketball coach and his wife.
Authorities confirmed that toxicology tests revealed impairment, and Singh has since been booked on gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. Dashcam footage captured the horrifying impact, showing flames engulfing vehicles in seconds as commuters rushed to help.
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Released After Border Arrest, Now Charged With Manslaughter
Federal immigration sources told Fox News that Singh was first detained by Border Patrol in California’s El Centro Sector in March 2022 after entering illegally from Mexico. He was released into the U.S. interior under the “alternatives to detention” policy, a system that allows migrants to await court hearings outside of custody.
Following his arrest, ICE issued an immigration detainer, confirming Singh’s unlawful immigration status. Critics argue that this case underscores a broader pattern of migrants committing serious offenses after being released pending hearings.
Transportation Secretary Calls Out California for Ignoring Safety Rules
In the aftermath, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized California for failing to enforce English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers, calling it a “fundamental safety issue.”
“I put states on notice this summer,” Duffy said. “Enforce English-language standards or lose funding. California refuses to ensure big rig drivers can read road signs and communicate with law enforcement.”
This comes as the Trump administration announced the suspension of over $40 million in federal highway safety funding to California for not complying with the national English-language policy.
Victims Identified: Pomona Coach and Wife Among the Dead
KTLA confirmed that among the victims were Clarence Nelson, a former assistant basketball coach at Pomona High School, and his wife, Lisa Nelson. The school shared a tribute on Facebook reading, “RIP Coach Nelson and his wife. Prayers.”
Community members described Nelson as a “mentor and motivator” who deeply impacted student-athletes. The loss has shaken the Pomona school community as investigations continue.
Public Outcry Over Immigration and Road Safety Enforcement
The case has fueled public outrage, with many questioning how a migrant with limited English and driving skills could obtain a commercial driver’s license. It follows similar incidents involving illegal immigrant truckers involved in fatal crashes in Florida and Texas.
The White House has yet to issue a formal comment. Meanwhile, lawmakers and safety advocates are demanding stricter vetting of commercial drivers and renewed enforcement of federal transportation regulations.
FAQ: Jashanpreet Singh California Crash
1. Who is Jashanpreet Singh?
Jashanpreet Singh is a 21-year-old Indian national who crossed into the U.S. illegally in 2022. He was released pending an immigration hearing and later arrested for causing a fatal DUI truck crash in California.
2. What happened in the California I-10 crash?
Singh’s semi-truck collided with slow-moving traffic on the I-10 in San Bernardino County, igniting a fiery crash that killed three people, including a Pomona High School coach and his wife.
3. Why was Jashanpreet Singh released after crossing the border?
He was released under the Biden administration’s “alternatives to detention” program, which allows migrants to remain free while awaiting immigration hearings.
4. What charges is Jashanpreet Singh facing?
Singh has been charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence. ICE has also lodged an immigration detainer against him.
5. What is the controversy around California’s truck driver policies?
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized California for failing to enforce federal English-language requirements for commercial drivers, calling it a “nationwide safety concern.”
6. Who were the victims of the crash?
The victims included Clarence Nelson, a former assistant basketball coach at Pomona High School, his wife Lisa Nelson, and another yet-to-be-identified individual.
7. How has the government responded?
The Trump administration recently announced it would withhold $40 million in highway safety funds from California due to its noncompliance with driver language standards.