Justice Clarence Thomas criticized California and Washington, accusing them of undermining federal immigration and trucking safety standards following a fatal crash in Florida. Thomas disparaged the Supreme Court for not hearing a case that Florida had no other venue to present.
Florida argued that the two states improperly issued commercial driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, violating federal standards that require English proficiency and valid immigration status for some commercial drivers. This, Florida contended, posed a public safety threat on American roads.
Joined by Justice Samuel Alito, Thomas stated that the Supreme Court had a constitutional duty to address the dispute since only the high court has authority over lawsuits between states. “If this Court does not exercise jurisdiction over a controversy between two States, then the complaining State has no judicial forum in which to seek relief,” Thomas wrote.
Florida’s allegations against Washington and California are serious, Thomas argued, because failing to adhere to federal commercial licensing laws can lead to hazardous road conditions and has resulted in fatal crashes.
Thomas cited a fatal Florida highway crash involving truck driver Harjinder Singh, who he stated, “could not read the road signs.” Singh received commercial driver’s licenses from both California and Washington, highlighting the issue Florida sought to address.
“An illegal alien who cannot read English road signs cannot drive an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer,” Thomas asserted, emphasizing that federal law prohibits states from granting commercial driver’s licenses unless applicants pass a driver’s test, sufficiently understand English, and demonstrate appropriate immigration status.
Florida filed the lawsuit with the Supreme Court under its original jurisdiction, which gives the justices sole authority over disputes between states. Thomas argued that, while discretion may be exercised in typical appeals, the Constitution grants the Supreme Court exclusive jurisdiction over interstate lawsuits.
“We have no more right to decline the exercise of jurisdiction which is given, than to usurp that which is not given,” Thomas stated, accusing the court of disregarding the Constitution by declining to hear disputes between states.
Thomas explained that if Florida, California, and Washington were separate countries, a similar dispute over allowing dangerous drivers would likely cause diplomatic tensions and be handled by international courts.
Elaine Mallon is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, covering national politics.