Truck Driver Charged in Fatal California Crash
Details of the Incident
Claudia Cowan reports on a tragic semi-truck accident in Lodi, California, involving an illegal immigrant, Manveer Singh, who now faces vehicular manslaughter charges. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirms Singh was caught and released at the Arizona border earlier this year. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and federal officials have proposed ‘Delilah’s Law’ to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses.
Pennsylvania Crash Involving Trooper
In Pennsylvania, a similar incident involved Michael E. Pahira Jr., a 44-year-old Pennsylvania State Police trooper. He was assisting with a commercial vehicle inspection on Interstate 81 when another semi-truck veered off the road, striking his vehicle and the truck he was inspecting. The accident caused both trucks to catch fire, and Pahira succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
Charges Against the Driver
The driver, Michael Bon, a Haitian national from Brockton, Massachusetts, faces charges of homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, reckless driving, and several other offenses. He is held at Schuylkill County Prison with bail set at $700,000. Bon’s court appearance is scheduled for July 15. DHS has placed an immigration detainer on him.
Background on the Involved Parties
Michael Pahira joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 2007 and was serving as a Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector, working to ensure highway safety in the state. Following the incident, DHS Secretary Mullin had a public disagreement with journalist Jake Tapper regarding Haiti deportations after a Supreme Court ruling on Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Bon’s Immigration and Licensing Background
Michael Bon entered the U.S. in July 2024 through Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport under humanitarian parole. Although he applied for TPS, DHS denied the application and ordered him to leave in June 2025. Bon remained in the U.S. and obtained a non-domiciled commercial driver’s license in Massachusetts in March 2025. The license was renewed in February 2026, although the Trump administration later prohibited issuing such licenses to ineligible drivers.
Response from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy focuses on strengthening licensing rules due to several fatal crashes involving non-domiciled CDL holders. Duffy announced a national audit of state-issued non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses. President Trump highlighted 17 fatal crashes in 2025 involving illegal immigrants driving commercial vehicles.
Federal Action and Funding Withholdings
The Department of Transportation has threatened states with federal funding cuts for improper licensing practices. In April, New York lost over $73 million in federal funding for not revoking licenses of ineligible drivers.
Tributes and Reactions
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro paid tribute to Trooper Pahira, commending his dedication to his family as his mother battles cancer. The governor shared personal memories from Pahira’s friends and family, emphasizing his community involvement and compassionate nature.
The Transportation Department aims to ensure safety on roadways through thorough vetting of commercial truck drivers. Elaine Mallon provides further coverage of national politics on Fox News Digital and Fox Business.