Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, April 30, 2026:
- Truck driver allegedly responsible for fatal Oregon crash in ICE custody.
- Missing trucker’s case turns into death investigation.
- FMCSA asks for input on mirror-alternative camera system.
- Help raise stroke awareness through truck stop’s round-up campaign.
ICE arrests ‘illegal alien’ truck driver involved in fatal Oregon crash
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced this week that its Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested an “illegal alien” truck driver who was released from jail by “Oregonian sanctuary politicians” after a 2025 fatal crash.
Rajinder Kumar
According to reporting around the time of the crash, Kumar was charged with criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment. He pleaded not guilty in March and had a trial date set for January 2027.
DHS said that, on April 2, 2026, “Oregon sanctuary politicians refused to cooperate with ICE and released Kumar back onto the streets of Oregon.” ICE had lodged an arrest detainer for Kumar back in December.
Oregon Central Daily reported he was released after posting bail, and a condition of release was to wear an ankle monitor.
A few weeks later, on April 22, ICE arrested Kumar, who is now being held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington, and has been placed in removal proceedings.
“This illegal alien was issued a CDL by Gavin Newsom’s California,” said DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “He then went on to recklessly drive a truck on America’s highways and kill two honeymooners. Instead of cooperating with ICE law enforcement, Oregon sanctuary politicians released him from jail back into American communities.”
DHS said Kumar entered the U.S. illegally near Lukeville, Arizona, on Nov. 28, 2022, and was released into the U.S.; Kumar then obtained work authorization and a California CDL.
[Related: 'Criminal illegal alien' caused Oregon crash that killed two: DHS]
Missing trucker found dead in Georgia
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Wednesday announced that the body of the missing truck driver the agency was searching for has been found.
Alejandro Jacomino Gonzalez
Gonzalez was last seen in the early morning hours of April 17, at the I-95 South Brevard County Rest Area in Grant-Valkaria, Florida. Gonzalez went missing after picking up a load of cars on April 16 at the Port of Brunswick in Georgia for delivery to Miami.
On April 17, his truck was located in Port Wentworth, Georgia, with several cars missing.
FBI Tampa and Atlanta Divisions are leading the investigation into Gonzalez’s death.
[Related: FBI seeks info on missing truck driver]
Another mirror-alternative camera maker petitions FMCSA for exemption
The manufacturer of a mirror-alternative camera system is petitioning the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for a waiver to allow motor carriers to install its system in lieu of the two rear-vision mirrors required by federal regulations.
Rosho Automotive Solutions’ camera-based “Mirror System” is designed to fully replace traditional Class II, IV, and V physical mirrors on commercial vehicles and is compliant with international standards such as UNECE R46 and ISO 16505, the company said in its request. Rosho stated that the system also delivers low-latency and clear images with cameras that feature a high dynamic range and anti-glare coating, LED flicker suppression and mitigation, and manual or automatic heating functions to remove frost and fog.
According to Rosho, the system can also detect dirt, debris and blind spots, thereby improving driving safety.
Rosho also highlighted the system's night vision capability, low-light sensitivity features, and the ergonomic design of the system to minimize lateral head movement and reduce eye strain, thereby increasing driver comfort and mitigating fatigue-related incidents.
FMCSA is accepting public comments on Rosho’s request here through June 1.
A similar exemption is already in place for the Stoneridge company’s MirrorEye system. German truck tech supplier Aumovio SE requested a similar exemption for its ProViu system earlier this year.
[Related: Waiver allowing camera-mirror alternative renewed]
Pilot launches fundraising campaign for stroke awareness
This May, in recognition of American Stroke Month, Pilot is rallying support to raise critical funds for the American Heart Association’s stroke prevention and education programs.
From April 30 through May 21, Pilot customers can help make positive change and join the fight against stroke by rounding up their purchases during checkout at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Travel Center locations nationwide.
“Showing people they matter at every turn is at the heart of everything we do at Pilot,” said Adrienne Ingoldt, senior vice president, communications, risk and procurement at Pilot and member of the American Heart Association’s National Life is Why Council of Retailers. “Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, but it’s also one of the most preventable. Every donation fuels Heart Association programs that bring stroke education and resources directly to communities across the nation. As my mom is a stroke survivor, our family is a direct example of how knowledge can save lives and ensure more families have stories of survival.”
Recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly are vital. Throughout the month, Pilot and the Heart Association are promoting the B.E. F.A.S.T. warning signs:
- B -- Balance loss: Does the person appear unsteady?
- E -- Eye (vision) changes: Is vision blurred or temporarily lost?
- F -- Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb?
- A -- Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?
- S -- Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred?
- T -- Time to call 911: If someone shows any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
In addition to the round-up campaign, Pilot is prioritizing the health of its team members by providing access to the Heart Association’s stroke prevention education, resources and screenings to be more aware of the signs of stroke. These trainings and resources are also available to the public by contacting the local American Heart Association office.
