STOCKTON, CA (CBS12) — Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins traveled to California on Thursday to extradite undocumented trucker Harjinder Singh, who faces charges related to a crash that killed three Floridians.
Collins arrived at Stockton Metropolitan Airport early Thursday after tracking the state jet’s landing just before midnight. He held a press conference before taking custody of Singh, 28, who allegedly made an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike near Fort Pierce, leading to the fatal collision.
Typically, extraditions are handled by U.S. Marshals, but Collins made the trip personally to ensure Singh’s return. Video footage shows Collins escorting Singh, in handcuffs, onto the plane for their flight back to Florida.
Authorities said Singh, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2018, faces three counts of vehicular homicide and is currently under an ICE detainer. Collins criticized California’s immigration policies, blaming Governor Gavin Newsom for allowing Singh to obtain a driver’s license despite failing crucial competency tests.
“We’re sick of this,” Collins stated, denouncing years of lax enforcement. He emphasized the need for strong leadership in addressing immigration and public safety issues.
According to federal investigators, Singh struggled with basic English and road sign identification during testing. Records indicate he previously claimed asylum and obtained commercial licenses in Washington and California before the crash.
Collins called for improved cooperation between states and federal authorities regarding immigration enforcement, framing the issue as an American concern rather than a partisan one.