A heartbreaking story out of California is shining a spotlight on the real dangers of weak immigration laws.
On June 20, 2024, a 5-year-old girl named Dalilah Coleman was critically injured in a multi-car pileup caused by Partap Singh, an undocumented immigrant from India.
The little girl suffered skull fractures, a broken leg, and spent three weeks in a coma. She’s now relearning how to walk, talk, and eat. Instead of starting kindergarten this fall, she’s facing months – if not years – of rehabilitation.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed in an X post that Singh was finally arrested by ICE on August 29, 2025. He now faces deportation.
But for Dalilah and her family, the damage has already been done.
Dalilah Coleman’s life was forever changed when an illegal alien driving an 18-wheeler slammed into her and her family. The crash resulted in her inability to walk, talk, eat orally, or attend kindergarten as planned. She was in a coma for three weeks and required six months of… pic.twitter.com/8oG3IrUiwP
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) September 25, 2025
California’s Dangerous Policy Choices
This tragedy didn’t happen in a vacuum. California Governor Gavin Newsom has pushed policies that allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses – including commercial licenses to operate big rigs.
Singh had one of those licenses when he caused the crash.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said: “Dalilah Coleman’s tragedy was entirely preventable. This is sadly another example of Gavin Newsom’s California DMV issuing an illegal alien a Commercial Driver’s License.”
Critics say California is putting politics above safety.
Rep. Mary Miller warned, “Sanctuary States are putting illegals behind the wheel of 18-wheelers, and American families are paying the price. These tragedies are preventable!”
She’s pushing the SAFE Driving Laws Act, which would cut federal funding to states that let undocumented immigrants operate commercial vehicles.
Yet another video of a fataI crash by a non-English trucker who got his CDL from Gov. Newsom
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) September 25, 2025
What It Means for Nevada
Here in Nevada, this story should sound an alarm.
California’s policies don’t stop at the state line.
Every day, trucks licensed in California haul freight across Interstate 15, right through the heart of Las Vegas. Families driving the Spaghetti Bowl or heading north on U.S. 95 share the road with these drivers.
Governor Joe Lombardo has taken a very different approach than Newsom. Lombardo has pushed back against sanctuary-style policies and has supported law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Conservatives argue that’s exactly the kind of leadership needed to protect Nevada families from tragedies like Dalilah’s.
The Federal vs. State Blame Game
Newsom’s office tried to deflect blame, pointing out that the federal government had issued Singh a work permit, making him eligible for a license.
That’s technically true, but it misses the point. Just because someone has a piece of paper from Washington doesn’t mean states are required to hand over the keys to an 18-wheeler.
This fight between federal and state leaders highlights the larger immigration debate.
Conservatives argue that Washington has failed to secure the border, and liberal states like California make matters worse by inviting undocumented immigrants to settle in and enjoy benefits – while leaving local families to pay the price when things go wrong.
The Pattern of Tragedy That Open-Border States Refuse to Acknowledge
Dalilah’s story is tragic, but unfortunately not unique.
Conservatives say it proves that so-called “compassionate” immigration policies have real human costs. Whether it’s overburdened schools, crowded hospitals, or crimes that never should have happened, American families are the ones left picking up the pieces.
In Chicago, ICE recently launched “Operation Midway Blitz,” targeting illegal immigrants with criminal records.
That’s the kind of tough enforcement conservatives argue is necessary across the country. Deportation, they say, isn’t about politics – it’s about safety.
Where Do We Go from Here?
The case of Dalilah Coleman is a warning sign. Allowing undocumented immigrants to drive commercial vehicles isn’t just bad policy – it’s dangerous.
Families in Nevada and across America deserve leaders who will put their safety first.
For Dalilah’s parents, no law or policy change will undo what happened. But for the rest of us, it’s a reminder that immigration policy isn’t just about politics – it’s about life and death on the roads we all share.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
