WASHINGTON, D.C. (CBS12) — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced on Wednesday the withholding of over $40 million in federal transportation funds from California, citing the state’s failure to enforce federal English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards for commercial drivers.

The decision follows a deadly crash on Florida’s Turnpike that killed three people and ignited conversations over immigration, licensing, and public safety.

On August 12, 28-year-old Harjinder Singh, an undocumented immigrant from India, attempted an illegal U-turn using an “Official Use Only” access point on Florida’s Turnpike near Fort Pierce. His semi-truck blocked all northbound lanes, leaving a minivan with no time to brake. The resulting collision killed all three passengers: Herby Dufresne, 30, of Florida City; Rodrigue Dor, 54, of Miami; and Faniola Joseph, 37, of Pompano Beach.

VIDEO: Inside the semi: New video shows illegal U-Turn that killed 3 on Florida Turnpike

Singh held a valid California commercial driver’s license, despite reportedly scoring just 2 out of 12 on an English proficiency test and speaking broken English in a prior traffic stop in New Mexico. After the crash, he fled to California and was later extradited back to Florida by Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who personally escorted him on a state jet.

In a press conference, Secretary Duffy called the crash “outrageous,” referencing the widely circulated video showing Singh’s illegal maneuver. “No one in their right mind would attempt that kind of a turn,” Duffy said. “Three lives were lost because a driver who should never have been licensed was behind the wheel.”

The Department of Transportation has since revoked California’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan for FY24 and FY25, cutting off $40.7 million in federal Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) funds. To regain access to the funding, California must adopt regulations compatible with federal ELP standards, begin conducting English assessments during roadside inspections, and place non-compliant drivers out of service.

“I put states on notice this summer: enforce the Trump Administration’s English language requirements, or the checks stop coming. California is the only state in the nation that refuses to ensure big rig drivers can read our road signs and communicate with law enforcement. This is a fundamental safety issue that impacts you and your family on America’s road,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.

See also: Failed tests, fast departure: What we’ve learned about driver in fatal Turnpike crash

Florida officials, including Governor Ron DeSantis and Lt. Gov. Collins, have blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom for creating a “sanctuary state” that allowed Singh to obtain a CDL despite failing basic competency tests.

“Gavin Newsom has had an open door for illegal immigration to his state,” Collins said. “It has cost us lives—in forms of fentanyl, illegal immigrants causing accidents like this.”

The crash has also sparked a wave of anti-immigrant and anti-Sikh rhetoric, with members of California’s Sikh trucking community reporting increased discrimination and online vitriol. Advocates warn against scapegoating entire communities for the actions of one driver.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation is conducting a nationwide audit of non-domiciled CDL holders and has vowed to crack down on states that fail to enforce federal safety standards, and the Florida Attorney General, James Uthmeier, sued California over licenses in the deadly U-turn crash on Thursday.

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