Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, May 1: US immigration authorities have taken into custody an Indian national accused of causing a fatal highway accident in Oregon, after his earlier release by local authorities triggered a fresh debate over “sanctuary” policies.
Rajinder Kumar, a truck driver, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on April 22, weeks after he was released from Deschutes County Jail despite a federal detainer request. The development has drawn sharp reactions from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and reignited tensions between federal agencies and local administrations.
The case pertains to a November 2025 crash in Deschutes County, where Kumar’s semi-truck allegedly jackknifed and blocked both lanes of a highway. A vehicle carrying newlyweds William Micah Carter (25) and Jennifer Lynn Lower (24), who had been married for just 16 days, collided with the trailer at high speed, resulting in their deaths.
Following the incident, Kumar was arrested and charged with two counts of manslaughter and multiple counts of reckless endangerment. He pleaded not guilty in March 2026. Despite ICE issuing a detainer seeking prior notice before his release, Kumar was freed on April 2 after posting 10 per cent of his $250,000 bail amount.
Criticising the move, DHS stated that releasing individuals despite federal detainer requests could endanger public safety. ICE later tracked down Kumar and detained him. He is currently being held at the Northwest ICE Processing Centre in Tacoma, Washington.
However, Kumar’s defence has countered the narrative, asserting that he was legally granted bail and must be presumed innocent until proven guilty. His counsel also pointed out that no special motion was filed to secure his release.
The case has also raised legal concerns, as deportation proceedings may begin before the completion of the criminal trial. Under Oregon law, trials in serious cases require the presence of the accused, potentially complicating proceedings.
Deschutes County District Attorney Stephen Gunnels said authorities intend to proceed with the criminal case, though federal actions remain beyond their control.
The trial is currently scheduled for January 2027, even as the case continues to draw attention to the complex interplay between immigration enforcement and the US judicial system.