TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed a lawsuit against California and Washington, alleging that both states violated federal safety and immigration laws by issuing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to undocumented truck drivers, according to documents released Thursday by the Florida Attorney General’s Office.

The lawsuit, which asks the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene, follows the August crash on Florida’s Turnpike that killed three people when semi-truck driver Harjinder Singh, reportedly in the country illegally, attempted a U-turn in an unauthorized location. Singh had been issued CDLs in both California and Washington, the lawsuit claims.

Florida’s complaint argues that the two states “ignored federal standards” by allowing individuals without lawful immigration status, proper training, or the ability to read English road signs to operate commercial vehicles across state lines.

“California’s and Washington’s decision to endanger their own citizens is reprehensible,” the filing states. “But commercial drivers routinely cross state lines, endangering citizens of other states.”

The dispute comes amid growing tension between the Trump administration and California Governor Gavin Newsom over immigration and licensing policies. Procedurally, Florida’s lawsuit takes an unusual path by requesting direct Supreme Court review, arguing there is “no alternative forum to provide adequate relief.”

The filing also cites recent federal action: U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced this week that the Biden administration would withhold $40 million in federal funds from California for failing to enforce English language proficiency standards for truck drivers.

“California is the only state in the nation that refuses to ensure big rig drivers can read our road signs and communicate with law enforcement,” Duffy said in a statement. “This is a fundamental safety issue that impacts you and your family on America’s roads.”

The lawsuit seeks injunctions ordering California and Washington to stop issuing CDLs or learner’s permits to individuals who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, according to CBS News Miami.

According to CBS News Miami.

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