Full Breakdown
Supreme Court Rejects Florida's Lawsuit Over Immigrant Truck Driver Licenses
5/27/2026, 1:58:40 AM
Supreme Court Denies Florida's Original Jurisdiction Suit
On 26 May 2026 Supreme Court denied Florida’s petition to sue California and Washington over CDLs issued to undocumented immigrants. The 7-2 ruling included dissent from Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, who argued the Court must hear the case.
Fatal Crash That Prompted the Lawsuit
The lawsuit follows an August 2025 crash on Turnpike that killed three minivan occupants when an 18-wheel truck driven by Singh allegedly made an illegal U-turn. Singh faces homicide charges, has pleaded not guilty, and remains jailed in St. Lucie County.
Florida's Claims and State Defenses
Attorney General James Uthmeier said California and Washington broke immigration rules by issuing CDLs to drivers without legal status or English proficiency. California AG Rob Bonta said the DMV verifies legal presence via the SAVE database and requires English testing. Washington officials said law requires tests that meet standards.
Official Statements & Responses
Uthmeier called decisions “reprehensible” and warned of “mayhem.” Bonta stressed California’s verification of legal presence and English proficiency before issuing CDLs. Washington’s brief called the suit a “political stunt,” and Department of Transportation said it may withhold funds from states that do not cancel illegally issued CDLs.
Criticism & Opposition
Washington’s Nicholas Brown called the lawsuit a “political stunt” and Florida’s claims “meritless,” noting Singh never held a Washington CDL at the crash time. Iowa and 16 other states filed an amicus brief for Florida; California and Washington attorneys said the complaint rests on “assumptions … that are wrong.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Officials said Singh’s failure to read road signs caused the illegal U-turn that killed three minivan occupants. He was arrested in St. Lucie County, arraigned in Stockton, California, on 19 August, and his lawyer Natalie Knight-Tai confirmed his not-guilty plea.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Washington officials say Singh never had a Washington CDL, contradicting Florida’s claim he held licenses from both states. Federal data on undocumented drivers’ English proficiency has not been released. Department of Transportation’s rule to withhold funds is not yet in effect, and the Court gave no explanation for its denial.
Verbatim Quotes
"This court declines to even hear Florida’s claims, even though it has nowhere else to bring them," — Clarence Thomas, Justice
"California's and Washington's decision to endanger their own citizens is reprehensible. But commercial drivers routinely cross state lines, endangering citizens of other States," — James Uthmeier, Florida AG
"The allegations in the proposed complaint are notably lacking, as Florida admits that it does not even know how California's commercial driver's license program works," — Rob Bonta, California AG
What’s Next
The Department of Transportation will review state CDL programs and may withhold funds from states that do not cancel illegally issued CDLs, echoing the Trump administration’s warning it would cut federal funds from states that do not enforce English-language requirements for commercial drivers. Florida’s tax-policy suit against California remains pending before the Court. The dispute highlights tension between state licensing and federal immigration and safety rules.
