ICE Takes Semi-Truck Driver into Custody After Release in Fatal Crash Case
A semi-truck driver charged in a deadly crash that killed a newlywed couple in Oregon is now in federal immigration custody following his release from county jail.
Rajinder Kumar, 32, faces two counts of first-degree manslaughter and three counts of reckless endangerment in Deschutes County. The charges stem from a November 24, 2025, collision on U.S. Highway 20 near Brothers, about 50 miles east of Bend.
Oregon State Police arrested Kumar shortly after the incident. Troopers reported that his semi-truck and trailer jackknifed, blocking both lanes of the highway. The crash resulted in the deaths of William Micah Carter, 25, and Jennifer Lynn Lower, 24. The couple had married just 16 days earlier.
Kumar was released from jail on April 2, 2026. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took him into custody on April 22, 2026, the same day an issue was reported with his ankle monitor, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Kumar, an Indian national, entered the United States illegally in 2022. ICE had lodged an immigration detainer against him. A motion to revoke his release was filed in Deschutes County the same day as his ICE arrest.
For professional drivers, this case highlights the severe consequences of highway incidents involving commercial vehicles. Jackknifing remains a leading cause of semi-truck crashes, often due to factors like road conditions, speed, or load securement on highways such as U.S. 20, which traverses rural and rugged terrain in central Oregon.
U.S. Highway 20 east of Bend features long, straight stretches interspersed with elevation changes and crosswinds, conditions that demand precise handling of heavy loads. When a tractor-trailer jackknifes, the trailer swings out of alignment, crossing lanes and creating immediate hazards for all traffic.
Deschutes County prosecutors allege Kumar’s actions led to the fatal outcome. First-degree manslaughter charges indicate the state views the incident as criminally negligent, while reckless endangerment counts address risks to other motorists present.
Post-crash, Kumar’s legal path included initial detention by state police, formal charges, and eventual release under monitoring. The ankle monitor issue prompted swift ICE action, underscoring federal priorities in cases involving non-citizens with criminal charges.
DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis commented on the handling of Kumar’s case by officials in Oregon and California. The agency noted his release despite the immigration detainer.
- Crash date: November 24, 2025
- Location: U.S. Highway 20, Deschutes County, near Brothers, Oregon
- Victims: William Micah Carter, 25; Jennifer Lynn Lower, 24
- Driver: Rajinder Kumar, 32, charged with manslaughter and endangerment
- Arrest by Oregon State Police: Late November 2025
- Release from jail: April 2, 2026
- ICE custody: April 22, 2026
Professional truckers navigating similar routes know the importance of pre-trip inspections, weather awareness, and adherence to speed limits. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration data shows jackknife incidents account for a significant portion of large-truck crashes, often leading to multi-vehicle pileups on two-lane highways like U.S. 20.
In this instance, the blockage of both lanes created an unavoidable hazard for approaching vehicles, including the one carrying the newlyweds. Investigations by state police focused on the mechanics of the jackknife and driver factors.
The progression from state charges to federal immigration detention reflects overlapping jurisdictions. Local courts manage criminal proceedings, while ICE enforces immigration law. Drivers in the industry should note that unresolved immigration status can complicate release conditions in criminal cases.
Oregon’s handling of the case drew attention from DHS, which emphasized enforcement against individuals with serious charges. For drivers, maintaining compliance with both state traffic laws and federal regulations remains essential to avoid such escalations.
The victims’ families continue to seek justice through the ongoing Deschutes County case. Kumar remains in ICE custody as proceedings advance. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities borne by semi-truck operators on public highways.
Trucking professionals can review FMCSA guidelines on jackknife prevention, including brake checks, tire maintenance, and defensive driving techniques tailored to high-risk areas like central Oregon’s Highway 20 corridor.