The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) filed an arrest detainer for Rajinder Kumar, a non-citizen from India, after a fatal traffic accident in Deschutes County, Oregon. Kumar is facing charges of criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangering following the deaths of two people on November 24, 2025.
Authorities report that Kumar jackknifed his semi-truck and trailer across both lanes of U.S. Highway 20. A Subaru Outback then collided with the truck, resulting in the deaths of William Micah Carter and Jennifer Lynn Lower.
Kumar entered the United States illegally near Lukeville, Arizona in November 2022. He was released into the country by federal authorities and later received a commercial driver’s license in California as well as work authorization in 2023.
“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?” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Our prayers are with William and Jennifer’s families. Under Secretary Noem, ICE will continue its efforts to get illegal alien truck drivers off America’s highways.”
Kumar remains in custody at Deschutes County jail pending further legal proceedings. DHS stated that since Oregon is considered a sanctuary state, ICE will take necessary steps to gain custody if he is released locally.
The announcement also referenced other recent incidents involving non-citizen truck drivers who have been arrested or charged following serious crashes in Florida and California. In August, ICE lodged an arrest detainer for Harjinder Singh after his arrest for three counts of vehicular homicide while driving a semi-truck in Florida. Also in August, ICE arrested Partap Singh after he caused a multi-car pileup with critical injuries to a child in California. In October, ICE lodged an arrest detainer for Jashanpreet Singh following a crash that killed three people while driving under the influence.
DHS emphasized ongoing law enforcement efforts to prevent similar incidents and noted that victims of crimes committed by non-citizens can seek support through the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office.
