A judge has set an intentionally “unattainable” bail to ensure a truck driver involved in a fatal u-turn crash will not be released from jail and deported.
32-year-old truck driver Rajinder Kumar jackknifed his semi truck across Highway 20 in Deschutes County, Oregon, in 2025, causing a crash with a four wheeler that killed a newlywed couple. Kumar was arrested for the crash, and taken into ICE custody in April. He was brought back to Deschutes County on October 15th.
On Monday, October 26th, Deschutes County Circuit Court Judge Wells Ashby ruled that Kumar would be handed a $1 million bail, ensuring that he remains in the country for his January trial, reported The Bend Bulletin.
“The court has a job to do and immigration has a job to do,” said Ashby. “It’s important to the court that this case proceeds to its conclusion. It’s important for the families of the victims and Mr. Kumar …. If Mr. Kumar is returned to India before pretrial this case is all but over.”
Kumar’s lawyer argues that his bail should be set to $250,000, allowing Kumar to post bail and return to a family member’s home in Bend, Oregon, deeming the $1M amount “unattainable” for his client. Prosecutor Ben Becker then agreed with Ashby that the increased bail is appropriate for the circumstances.
“The defendant’s removal from the U.S. is imminent on removal from Deschutes County custody,” he said. “Given the risks, increased (bail) is appropriate.”
“Following the conclusion of state criminal proceedings, ICE will pursue Kumar’s immigration case consistent with federal law,” ICE wrote in an October 15th statement.
Kumar is currently facing felony charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment. He entered the US illegally in 2022, but had a California CDL and a work authorization at the time of the crash. His trial is scheduled for 9 days starting January 19th, 2027.
