Fatal Truck Crash Sparks Call for New Licensing Law

A semi-truck crash in Lodi, California, involving an illegal immigrant truck driver, Manveer Singh, has resulted in manslaughter charges. Singh was apprehended and released at the Arizona border in 2023. Federal officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, are advocating for ‘Delilah’s Law’ to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses.

In another tragic incident, a crash claimed the life of Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr. He had returned home to support his cancer-stricken mother. The crash occurred while Pahira was inspecting a commercial vehicle on Interstate 81. Michael Bon, a Haitian national, was charged with multiple offenses, including homicide by vehicle. Despite DHS efforts, Bon remained in the U.S. after his parole was revoked. Bon had obtained a commercial driver’s license while legally authorized to work, but rules have since changed under the Trump administration to restrict such licenses. 

Pahira, a police officer since 2007, focused on commercial vehicle inspections to ensure highway safety. His death emphasizes the need for stricter licensing regulations, a key priority for Secretary Duffy following several deadly crashes involving drivers with non-domiciled licenses. The Department of Transportation has withheld federal aid from states failing to revoke improperly issued licenses.

The recent fatalities have prompted Secretary Duffy to scrutinize state licensing practices, highlighting risks associated with fraudulent acquisitions of commercial licenses. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro paid tribute to Pahira, acknowledging his dedication to family and profession, reflecting on personal stories shared by his loved ones.

Elaine Mallon is a journalist for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, focusing on national political topics.