In a move that has drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle, the Biden administration has released an illegal immigrant who is accused of killing three people in a California crash.
The defendant, Jashanpreet Singh, was charged in 2023 with murder after a drunk‑driving incident on a California highway that left a woman, a teen, and a police officer dead. Officials say Singh’s lawyer argued that his client was in custody for too long and that there were no new facts that would justify his continued detention. The decision came after a background review by the Department of Justice and input from immigration officials.
Singh, who has been living in the U.S. without legal status, is now set to be transferred to a federal facility in Texas. His release is part of a broader “crawling” move that some say is aimed at easing the country’s immigration system, but critics argue it undermines law‑and‑order efforts.
What’s Happening
- The crash: On a sun‑sunned stretch of California’s Highway 27 in March 2023, Singh drove a stolen vehicle while intoxicated. The vehicle crashed into a parked truck, killing a 47‑year‑old woman, a 17‑year‑old boy, and a 35‑year‑old police officer.
- Charges: Police charged Singh with first‑degree murder, aggravated assault, and a deadly weapon offense. He was also charged with DUI and for illegally operating a vehicle.
- Release details: The Department of Justice announced on Tuesday that Singh will be moved to a federal detention center in Texas. The Department said the evidence did not change, but the release is part of a new policy to release non‑violent, non‑national security threat cases before trial.
Reactions
- Supporters of the release: Some lawmakers and civil‑rights groups argue that the removal of closures and the inclusion of humanitarian considerations are essential for a fair and humane immigration system. “We should prioritize law‑enforcement resources for violent criminals, not those who are apparently innocent or not a threat to national security,” one law‑maker said.
- Opponents of the decision: Conservative lawmakers and victims’ families have slammed the move, calling it “political favoritism” and a disregard for the families who lost their loved ones. “This is a grave mistake,” a law‑maker said. “The victims’ families and the California community deserve closure, not bail.”
What the Court Is Doing
While the Department of Justice is moving forward, a federal court will still review the case. In a previous hearing, the judge acknowledged that the cause of death involved a fatal crash. “Even if we accept the evidence of accidental death, Taylor’s death does not reboot a death sentence,” the judge said. The next scheduled hearing is in July.
Why It Matters
The decision taps into a controversy over how the Biden administration deals with illegal immigrants charged with serious crimes. Some see it as a sign of a lighter criminal policy, while others see it as a compassionate approach that separates humanitarian issues from violent crime. It also forces immigration officials to follow new guidelines that require them to decide whether to keep or release certain cases before the trial stage.
The Biden administration will keep the public updated on any further court rulings. In the meantime, the case remains a stark reminder of the high stakes that govern both immigration policy and criminal justice.
Source: Fox News
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