Backlash Against Sikh Truckers Grows After California Crash Involving Indian-Origin Driver

A fatal crash on California’s 10 Freeway in Ontario has sparked renewed fears of a backlash against Sikh truckers in the United States. The incident, which occurred on October 21, involved 21-year-old Jashanpreet Singh, an Indian-origin Punjabi Sikh driver who allegedly drove his semi-truck into slow-moving traffic, leaving three people dead and four others injured.

Authorities confirmed that Singh was under the influence of a banned substance at the time of the crash. Dashcam footage revealed that his truck failed to slow down before ramming into vehicles on the busy freeway. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security later stated that Singh was an undocumented immigrant who had been released at the California border in March 2022.

California Crash Renews Debate Over Immigration and Trucking Rules

The accident has reignited debates around immigration enforcement and federal trucking safety standards. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized California for not enforcing federal English-language requirements for commercial drivers, calling it a “fundamental safety issue that affects all Americans.”

Earlier this month, the Trump administration announced that it would withhold $40 million in highway safety funding from California for failing to meet federal compliance standards. Officials argue that truckers must be able to read road signs and communicate with law enforcement to ensure safety on the roads.

This latest case follows a similar tragedy in Florida in August when another Indian-origin Sikh driver, Harjinder Singh, caused a crash that killed three people. Following that incident, members of the Sikh trucking community reported a surge in online hate speech and harassment, with some calling for bans on immigrant drivers.

Fears Within Sikh Trucking Community

California is home to one of the largest Sikh populations in the U.S., many of whom work in the trucking industry. Community leaders say the California crash has once again put Sikh drivers under the spotlight, increasing fears of racial profiling and discrimination.

Prahb Singh, a truck driver from Riverside, California, said he noticed a sharp rise in online hostility after the crash. “People are saying things like, ‘Take the towel heads off the streets,’” he said. “One person’s mistake should not define an entire community.”

Harsimran Singh, CEO of Gillson Trucking in Stockton, said many Sikh truckers now fear for their future in the U.S. “This is a tragedy, and we all feel for the victims. But the way it’s being handled has created panic among Sikh drivers who work hard and follow the law,” he said.

Community and Industry Reactions

Industry experts warn that the growing tension could impact America’s trucking workforce, where Sikh drivers make up a significant portion of the labor force. Many Sikh immigrants are drawn to trucking because it offers good pay and accommodates their religious attire, including turbans and uncut hair.

Advocates urge the public to distinguish between isolated incidents and systemic issues. They emphasize that the Sikh community contributes significantly to U.S. logistics and should not be vilified over the actions of a few individuals. Trucking companies are also calling for fair treatment while supporting safety improvements and mental health awareness among drivers.

The renewed backlash against Sikh truckers shows how quickly one tragic event can inflame larger social and political divides. As investigations continue, Sikh community leaders are urging calm, compassion, and a focus on facts — not stereotypes.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What caused the California truck crash?

According to officials, Jashanpreet Singh’s semi-truck collided with slow-moving traffic on the 10 Freeway while he was allegedly under the influence of a banned substance.

Q2: Why is there backlash against Sikh truckers?

Backlash stems from recent fatal crashes involving Sikh drivers, leading to unfair generalizations and online hate targeting the entire Sikh trucking community.

Q3: How many Sikh truckers are in the U.S.?

Estimates suggest there are between 150,000 and 250,000 Sikh truck drivers in the U.S., many concentrated in California and other western states.

Q4: What steps are officials taking after the crash?

Federal authorities are reviewing trucking regulations and state compliance, including English-language requirements and background checks for drivers.

Q5: How is the Sikh community responding?

Community leaders are calling for fair treatment, stronger safety standards, and efforts to stop discrimination against Sikh truckers.