Brace yourself for a story that exposes the deadly cost of ignoring federal law in California.

A devastating crash on a California freeway, caused by an unauthorized migrant truck driver, has sparked outrage and pointed fingers straight at Gov. Gavin Newsom for allegedly flouting new federal rules on commercial driver’s licenses, resulting in three deaths and multiple injuries, as the New York Post reports.

Let’s rewind to June 27, when Jashanpreet Singh, a 21-year-old Indian national, was first issued a restricted commercial driver’s license in California, limited to intrastate travel. Reports indicate Singh entered the U.S. via the southern border in 2022 and was released into the country under federal policy at the time. This initial license seemed like a manageable risk -- until it wasn’t.

Federal rules ignored in California

On Sept. 26, a federal rule took effect, explicitly barring unauthorized migrants from holding commercial driving privileges and requiring states to verify legal status. California, under Newsom’s watch, apparently didn’t get the memo.

Fast forward to Oct. 15, when the California Department of Motor Vehicles lifted Singh’s restrictions, upgrading his license despite the new federal mandate. The Department of Transportation later flagged this as part of “significant compliance failures” in the state’s licensing practices. It’s almost as if Sacramento thought federal law was just a polite suggestion.

The DOT didn’t hold back, issuing a 30-day ultimatum to California to audit its practices and rescind unexpired licenses that violated the emergency rule. Yet, the damage was already in motion with Singh’s upgraded license.

Tragic crash shakes San Bernardino

Tragedy struck on Oct. 22, when Singh, allegedly under the influence of drugs, crashed his red semi-truck on the 10 Freeway in San Bernardino County. Dashcam footage captured the horrifying moment as his truck slammed into an SUV, triggering a chain reaction with multiple vehicles and erupting into flames.

The toll was heartbreaking: three lives lost and at least four injured, with two requiring hospitalization. This wasn’t just an accident; it was a preventable catastrophe that has left families shattered.

Police reports confirm Singh was impaired at the time of the crash, and he now faces charges of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has also lodged a detainer, requesting local authorities to notify federal officials before his release. The legal fallout is just beginning.

DOT report blames Newsom

A scathing DOT report, released late last week, lays the blame squarely at Newsom’s feet, accusing state officials of unlawfully upgrading Singh’s license. “Gavin Newsom was explicitly warned California’s CDL program was dangerously broken,” the report states. If that’s not a wake-up call, what is?

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy didn’t mince words either, expressing sympathy while holding California accountable. “My prayers are with the families of the victims of this tragedy,” Duffy said. But compassion doesn’t erase responsibility.

Duffy doubled down, stating, “It would have never happened if Gavin Newsom had followed our new rules.” That’s a gut punch to progressive policies that seem to prioritize ideology over safety. When federal law is sidestepped, the consequences aren’t theoretical -- they’re fatal.

Consequences loom for CA leaders

The DOT’s findings aren’t just a slap on the wrist; they’re a demand for accountability, with California given a tight deadline to fix its broken system. Newsom’s office has stayed silent so far, offering no immediate response to these damning allegations. Perhaps they’re hoping the storm will pass, but grieving families aren’t likely to forget.

This incident raises serious questions about state versus federal authority, especially when public safety hangs in the balance. If California can’t -- or won’t -- enforce clear-cut rules designed to protect its citizens, then what’s stopping the next tragedy? It’s not about politics; it’s about preventing more needless loss.

As the dust settles on this horrific crash, one thing is clear: ignoring federal guidelines isn’t just a bureaucratic misstep - it’s a gamble with human lives. The families of the victims deserve answers, and the public deserves assurance that safety won’t be sacrificed for misguided policy. Let’s hope this serves as a lesson before more lives are lost on California’s roads.