Florida Sues States Over Trucker Licenses
In a legal maneuver that underscores the growing rift between red and blue state immigration policies, Florida has filed a lawsuit against California over its decision to issue commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to illegal immigrants—a move Florida officials say directly contributed to a fatal accident on their roads.
The case hinges on a deadly crash that occurred on a Florida turnpike in August. Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old Indian national driving a semi truck, allegedly made an illegal U-turn, resulting in the deaths of three people. Singh, who was in the country illegally, held a California-issued CDL at the time of the crash.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the lawsuit Wednesday night during an appearance on Fox News’ Hannity, stating, “It’s a shame, and that’s why we’re taking Gavin Newsom to the Supreme Court.” His argument is straightforward but politically charged: California’s sanctuary policies are not just a local experiment, but a national threat when individuals cross state lines and cause harm.
Tonight, we filed a lawsuit against Gavin Newsom and California in the US Supreme Court because their so-called “sanctuary” policies for illegal aliens are harming states like Florida.
California must pay for the carnage of their open border policies and unlawful CDL programs. pic.twitter.com/iEauMlWXkY
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) October 16, 2025
Uthmeier emphasized that Florida has taken active steps to combat illegal immigration, enforce laws, and support law enforcement. Yet, he argued, the state’s efforts are undermined when “Gavin Newsom and liberals on the west coast” allow illegal immigrants not only to remain in the country but also to obtain licenses that permit them to operate commercial vehicles across the nation.
“They care more about their love affair with illegals than protecting American citizens,” Uthmeier declared, tapping into broader frustration among conservatives who see sanctuary policies as reckless and dangerous.
The lawsuit arrives amid heightened scrutiny of state-level CDL policies. The Trump administration has already begun efforts to curtail the issuance of commercial licenses to illegal immigrants, and lawmakers led by Kentucky Rep. Andy Barr are expected to introduce federal legislation this week to block states from continuing the practice.
The Department of Transportation, for its part, has launched an audit of states that issue CDLs to undocumented immigrants. Meanwhile, ICE operations are targeting illegal truck drivers across the country. In a recent three-day operation in Oklahoma, federal agents arrested 91 illegal drivers—many of whom reportedly held California-issued licenses.
At the regulatory level, the DOT is also reinforcing requirements, including English-language proficiency, to tighten the standards for commercial driving privileges.