A Change.org petition urging leniency for an illegal migrant truck driver accused of causing a fatal crash in Florida has received more than 2.6 million signatures, drawing international attention and sparking political controversy, as reported by The Daily Mail.
Harjinder Singh, 28, originally from India, is charged with three counts of vehicular homicide after allegedly causing the deaths of three people in Fort Pierce on August 12.
Authorities say Singh made an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike about 50 miles north of West Palm Beach, causing his semi-trailer to block lanes of traffic. A minivan collided with the trailer, killing all three occupants. Singh and his passenger were not injured.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT TRUCK DRIVER KILLS 3 IN HORROR CRASH
Harjinder Singh, in the U.S illegally since 2018, casually pulled a tractor-trailer into an “official use only” median on Florida’s Turnpike – blocking every oncoming lane with zero warning.
A black minivan plowed into… pic.twitter.com/rgZS4r3G4r
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 18, 2025
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Investigators said Singh entered the United States illegally through Mexico in 2018 before obtaining a commercial driver’s license in California.
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Following the crash, Singh and his passenger, Harneet Singh, fled to Sacramento, California, where he was arrested on August 16 in Stockton. Florida Gov.
Ron DeSantis dispatched Lt. Gov. Jay Collins to escort Singh back to Florida, where he is currently being held in St. Lucie County Jail. A judge denied bond on Saturday, citing his immigration status and ruling that he posed a substantial flight risk.

The petition addressed to Gov. DeSantis and the Florida Board of Executive Clemency calls the incident a “tragic accident” and requests a “proportionate and reasonable” sentence if Singh is convicted.
Supporters of the petition argue that he should not face excessive punishment and suggest alternatives to incarceration, such as restorative justice, counseling, or community service.
“This was a tragic accident — not a deliberate act,” the petition states. It also urges parole consideration “after a fair portion of the sentence has been served.”
Indian politician Harsimrat Kaur Badal has joined in advocating for Singh. In a video posted online, she urged India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to intervene.
I appeal to external affairs minister @DrSJaishankar to take up Sikh truck driver Harjinder Singh’s case with the United State’s govt to ensure his rights, including that to wear a ‘dastar’, are protected & he is not persecuted as a murderer. Harjinder committed a grave mistake… pic.twitter.com/rxdREViBBe
— Harsimrat Kaur Badal (@HarsimratBadal_) August 24, 2025
“Harjinder committed a grave mistake which led to a fatal crash but he is not a murderer and should not be treated as such,” she said. Badal argued Singh’s case has broader implications for Punjabi truck drivers in the U.S., warning against discrimination and new visa restrictions.
The Collective Punjabi Youth is responsible for the petition calling for leniency for Harjinder Singh; the illegal CDL holder charged with killing 3 on Florida’s Turnpike.
I will never understand why people will blindly pledge their support based solely on racial identity. pic.twitter.com/HOCjcJZnfY
— Eric Matheny ️ (@ericmmatheny) August 25, 2025
The case has also highlighted differences between federal authorities and California’s licensing policies.
Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, criticized California for issuing commercial licenses to illegal aliens, calling the practice “asinine.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office responded that Singh obtained a work permit while Donald Trump was president, a claim McLaughlin disputes.
Singh faces both state charges and federal immigration violations. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed a hold on him pending further proceedings.
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