An illegal immigrant truck driver who received his commercial license in California killed two newlyweds in Oregon before sanctuary policies allowed his release from custody, federal immigration officials confirmed this week.
Fatal Crash Claims Young Couple
Rajinder Kumar, 32, drove a semi-truck that jackknifed across both lanes of US Highway 20 in Deschutes County, Oregon on November 24, 2025. William Micah Carter, 25, and Jennifer Lynn Lower, 24, died when their Subaru Outback crashed into the blocked roadway. The couple had been married only 16 days. Kumar entered the United States illegally near Lukeville, Arizona in November 2022 and received release under federal policies during that administration.
.@ICEgov has arrested an illegal alien semi-truck driver RELEASED by Oregon sanctuary politicians after he KILLED two honeymooners. He was issued a commercial driver’s license in Gavin Newsom’s California.
Kumar entered the U.S. ILLEGALLY in 2022 and was RELEASED into our… pic.twitter.com/hjpiaf5iIq
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 28, 2026
Federal authorities granted Kumar work authorization after his illegal entry. California subsequently issued him a commercial driver’s license, allowing him to operate large trucks on American highways. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Kumar on April 22, 2026, weeks after Oregon officials released him from custody on April 2 despite the fatal crash.
Sanctuary Policies Under Fire
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis criticized the decision chain that kept Kumar in the country and on the roads. Oregon officials declined to cooperate with ICE following Kumar’s initial arrest for the deadly crash. He remained free for three weeks before federal agents tracked him down. Kumar now faces removal proceedings at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington.
What This Means
The Department of Homeland Security highlighted this case as an example of how federal immigration policies and state sanctuary laws can intersect with deadly consequences. The incident raises questions about commercial license vetting procedures and cooperation between local and federal law enforcement agencies. Victims of crimes involving undocumented immigrants can contact the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office at 1-855-488-6423 for support and resources.