Four dead, ICE arrests illegal immigrant trucker who plowed into Amish van in Indiana

WASHINGTON — Four people were killed Tuesday in Indiana after a semi-truck driver, identified by authorities as an undocumented immigrant from Kyrgyzstan, crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a passenger vehicle. The crash has sparked criticism from the White House over immigration policies tied to the previous administration.

According to officials, Bekzhan Beishekeev was driving on a highway when he failed to slow down as a tractor-trailer ahead of him reduced speed. Investigators say he then swerved into another lane and struck a van carrying 15 passengers, many believed to be members of the Amish community. Four people died as a result of the collision.

Beishekeev is currently being held at the Jay County Jail, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed an immigration detainer on him.

Authorities said Beishekeev entered the United States on December 19, 2024, through the CBP One app, which was introduced during the administration of former President Joe Biden. He was later granted parole status. Records indicate he received a commercial driver’s license from Pennsylvania in July of last year.

During a Thursday press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt sharply criticized the Biden-era border app, likening it to a “magic pass” and arguing that it allowed individuals to enter the country too easily. She contended that the fatal crash could have been avoided and blamed what she described as lax border enforcement under the previous administration. Leavitt emphasized that the current administration plans to continue deporting undocumented immigrants.

The incident follows other recent fatal crashes involving commercial trucks driven by noncitizens. In October, four Americans died in two separate big-rig accidents within a nine-day span, both involving drivers who held commercial licenses.

In response to growing concerns, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently announced a nationwide audit of how states issue commercial driver’s licenses. Duffy said the review aims to ensure states are complying with federal standards and that only properly qualified and documented drivers are operating large commercial vehicles. He stated the audit is intended to protect public safety and maintain the integrity of the licensing system for America’s truck drivers.

Source: KRCR TV