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In the aftermath of a tragic accident on Florida’s Turnpike, where an undocumented truck driver licensed in California was involved in a deadly U-turn, Florida’s Attorney General is taking legal action. The crash claimed the lives of three individuals, prompting a lawsuit that targets the states of California and Washington.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The legal challenge, spearheaded by Florida’s Attorney General, accuses California and Washington of breaching federal safety and immigration regulations by issuing commercial driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. These states are purportedly undermining federal laws through policies that obstruct state agencies from verifying the immigration status of applicants.
The incident in question occurred in August when the undocumented driver, who held commercial licenses from both California and Washington, executed an illegal U-turn, leading to the fatal crash.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier expressed grave concerns over the licensing process, stating, “This individual was unable to communicate in English and could not read road signs. He should never have been granted a commercial driver’s license.”
“This guy did not know how to speak English,” Florida Attorney General, James Uthmeier said. “He could not read road signs. He never should have received that CDL license in the first place.”
The lawsuit went on to say the states, “chose to ignore these standards and authorize illegal immigrants without proper training or the ability to read road signs to drive commercial motor vehicles. California’s and Washington’s decision to endanger their own citizens is reprehensible, but commercial drivers routinely cross state lines, endangering citizens of other states.”
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned earlier this year that states failing to enforce English language rules for commercial drivers risk losing federal highway funding. This week, the DOT announced it is withholding $40 million from California over the issue.
California’s governor’s office said the state is not named in the suit and maintains its licensing rules comply with federal law. Officials cited California’s commercial drivers as having a fatal crash rate nearly 40% below the national average.
California’s attorney general’s office said they are reviewing the lawsuit and will respond properly in court.
The case is now before the U.S. Supreme Court, which will decide if it will hear the lawsuit.
