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DHS: Undocumented Immigrant with California Commercial License Charged in Fatal Oregon Crash

DHS says 32-year-old Rajinder Kumar is the driver accused in a Nov. 24 crash on U.S. Highway 20 in Deschutes County, Oregon, that killed two people. Authorities allege Kumar entered the U.S. illegally in November 2022, later received work authorization and was issued a California commercial driver’s license. ICE has lodged a detainer and Kumar is being held in the Deschutes County jail. DHS criticized sanctuary policies while offering condolences to the victims' families.

08:55 AM, 12/02/2025Politics
DHS: Undocumented Immigrant with California Commercial License Charged in Fatal Oregon Crash

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says Rajinder Kumar, a 32-year-old Indian national, is the driver accused in a Nov. 24 crash on U.S. Highway 20 in Deschutes County, Oregon, that killed two people. Kumar faces charges including criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment, authorities say.

According to DHS, Kumar's semi-truck and trailer jackknifed and blocked both lanes of the highway around 9:30 p.m. A Subaru Outback subsequently struck the truck; the victims were identified as driver William Micah Carter and passenger Jennifer Lynn Lower. Both died at the scene.

Federal timeline and immigration status

DHS says Kumar entered the United States near Lukeville, Arizona, in November 2022 and was released into the country by federal authorities. The agency reports he later received work authorization in 2023 and was issued a California commercial driver’s license.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer for Kumar, who is being held at the Deschutes County jail pending further action. DHS noted that because Oregon is a sanctuary state, ICE will take steps to assume custody if local authorities release him.

Context and related cases

DHS highlighted several other recent crashes involving drivers identified as undocumented immigrants who held commercial licenses issued by jurisdictions that grant licenses regardless of immigration status. Those incidents, the agency says, resulted in additional fatalities and serious injuries and prompted ICE detainers in several cases.

"Our prayers are with William and Jennifer’s families," said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. "Rajinder Kumar, a criminal illegal alien from India, was released into our country under the Biden administration and issued a commercial driver’s license by Gavin Newsom’s Department of Motor Vehicles. How many more senseless tragedies must take place before sanctuary politicians stop allowing illegal aliens to dangerously operate semi-trucks on America’s roads? Under Secretary Noem, ICE will continue its efforts to get illegal alien truck drivers off America’s highways."

Representatives for the California Department of Motor Vehicles, Governor Gavin Newsom’s office and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Charges are allegations; the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

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