UMVA has learned that Justice Clarence Thomas blasted the Supreme Court for refusing to hear Florida’s urgent plea against California and Washington, accusing the two states of endangering American roads by issuing commercial driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.
Florida contended that the blue‑state policies flouted federal rules that demand English proficiency and lawful immigration status for certain commercial drivers, creating a lethal safety gap on the nation’s highways.
Thomas, joined by Justice Samuel Alito, warned that the Court’s refusal to exercise its original jurisdiction left Florida with no forum to seek redress, undermining the Constitution’s guarantee that interstate disputes be settled by the highest court.
He stressed that when states sidestep federal licensing standards, the consequences can be deadly, citing the recent Florida highway tragedy in which truck driver Harjinder Singh, unable to read English road signs, caused a fatal crash.
Singh had obtained commercial driver’s licenses from both California and Washington, a fact Thomas highlighted to illustrate how illegal‑status drivers can maneuver 80,000‑pound tractor‑trailers without the required language skills.
Federal law explicitly bars states from granting commercial licenses unless applicants pass a driver’s test, demonstrate sufficient English comprehension, and prove proper immigration status, a rule Thomas said was flagrantly ignored.
Florida filed its suit directly with the Supreme Court, invoking the Court’s original jurisdiction that grants it exclusive authority over disputes between states.
Thomas argued that while the Court may exercise discretion in ordinary appeals, it cannot shirk its constitutional duty in cases where the very fabric of interstate cooperation is at stake.
He warned that if California, Washington and Florida were independent nations, a similar conflict over dangerous drivers would spark diplomatic crises and be forced into international tribunals.
By joining the Union, each state consented to resolve such battles within the Supreme Court, a promise Thomas said the Court was neglecting by turning away Florida’s case.
