DHS criticizes Governor Newsom over fatal immigrant driver accident

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a sharp criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom following a fatal traffic accident involving an undocumented immigrant. The DHS accused Newsom of responsibility for the incident, claiming the governor’s policies allowed an undocumented individual to obtain a commercial driver’s license.

The accident occurred on August 12, 2025, in St. Lucie County, Florida. Harjinder Singh, an undocumented immigrant, was driving an 18-wheeler when he performed an illegal U-turn, blocking highway lanes and causing a collision that killed three people. Singh was arrested and faces three counts of vehicular homicide.

The federal agency’s remarks come as tensions rise regarding Newsom’s recent criticisms of the Trump administration’s immigration messaging, which the governor described as “repugnant propaganda.”