What a California Crash Revealed About an Indian Man’s US Entry

California Truck Crash Involving Illegal Immigrant Sparks Federal Scrutiny.A multi-vehicle crash in California has been linked to an Indian national who entered the United States illegally. The incident occurred in June 2024 and left a five-year-old girl with catastrophic, life-altering injuries. Partap Singh was driving a commercial truck when he caused the pileup.According to the Department of Homeland Security, Singh had crossed the southern border without authorization in 2022. He was subsequently released by federal authorities and later obtained a commercial driver’s license from the state of California.

Details of the Collision and Aftermath

The California Highway Patrol report states Singh was driving at an unsafe speed. He failed to stop for traffic and a construction zone. This led to the multi-car collision.The crash critically injured five-year-old Dalilah Coleman. She was airlifted to a hospital and spent three weeks in a coma. Her stepfather, Michael Krause, was also hospitalized, along with several others.Dalilah’s injuries are permanent. She suffered a broken femur and severe skull fractures. Doctors have diagnosed her with diplegic cerebral palsy and global developmental delay.Her father reports she cannot walk, talk, or eat orally. She required six months of hospital treatment and will need lifelong therapy. The crash happened just before she was set to start kindergarten.

Broader Policy Implications and a Similar Case

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem called the tragedy “entirely preventable.” She criticized California for issuing a commercial license to an individual without legal status. The case has intensified debate over border security and state licensing protocols.This is the second such incident involving an Indian national in recent months. In August, Harjinder Singh caused a fatal crash in Florida while driving an 18-wheeler. That accident instantly killed three people.Harjinder Singh also held a California commercial license despite being in the country illegally. Following that crash, the US paused the issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers. A federal investigation into that incident is ongoing.

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The case highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and state-level policies. The California truck crash has prompted calls for stricter verification processes for commercial driver licensing. Federal authorities are now focusing on removing individuals who pose a public safety risk.

Info at your fingertips

Who is Partap Singh?

Partap Singh is an Indian national who entered the US illegally in 2022. He was arrested by ICE for causing a severe multi-vehicle crash in California in June 2024 while driving a commercial truck.

What injuries did the child sustain?

The five-year-old victim, Dalilah Coleman, suffered critical injuries. These included a broken femur, skull fractures, and brain trauma. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and requires lifelong care.

How did the driver get a commercial license?

The California Department of Motor Vehicles issued the license despite his illegal status. This has drawn significant criticism from federal officials who say state policies are endangering lives.

Has this happened before?

Yes. A similar case involved Harjinder Singh, who caused a fatal crash in Florida. He also obtained a commercial license in California while living in the US illegally.

What is the US government doing now?

Immigration authorities are holding Partap Singh pending deportation proceedings. The State Department has also temporarily paused the issuance of new visas for foreign commercial truck drivers.