ICE returns driver to Oregon to face two manslaughter counts

Rajinder Kumar faces two counts of first-degree manslaughter in connection with a crash that killed two Oregon residents. Federal agents transferred the 32-year-old truck driver from federal immigration custody back to Deschutes County authorities on Monday. He had been held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington, since April 22. The return ensures he answers to state prosecutors before any federal deportation orders are executed.

The fatal collision occurred on Nov. 24, 2025, on U.S. Highway 20. Kumar allegedly jackknifed his commercial tractor-trailer across both lanes of traffic. William Micah Carter, 25, and his wife, Jennifer Lynn Lower, 24, were killed when their Subaru Outback struck the semi. The couple had been married for 16 days at the time of the accident.

Prior to his transfer, Elizabeth Carter, the mother of William Carter, met with Kumar at the passenger window of an ICE vehicle. The interaction was recorded by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Victims of Immigrant Crime Engagement office. "Hello Mr. Kumar, my name is Elizabeth Carter; I'm William Micah Carter's mother," Carter said in the video. She told him, "I pray for you and your family, I know you didn't get up that morning planning to kill two newlyweds."

Court records indicate Kumar entered the United States unlawfully near Lukeville, Arizona, on Nov. 28, 2022. U.S. Border Patrol apprehended him and released him into the country pending removal proceedings. During that period, he received federal work authorization and a commercial driver's license from California. After his indictment in Oregon, ICE lodged an immigration detainer. Deschutes County corrections officials declined to honor the request on April 2 and released Kumar under state sanctuary policies.

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Seattle agents later arrested Kumar on April 22. Acting Field Office Director Julio Hernandez stated that the coordinated action supports the victims' families. "Two Americans lost their lives, and their families deserve accountability," Hernandez said. He added that the move ensures an individual accused of these crimes does not evade justice.

Kumar pleaded not guilty to the charges in state court. He also faces three counts of recklessly endangering another person. Department of Homeland Security officials confirmed that federal deportation proceedings are paused. Criminal trial proceedings are pending in Deschutes County Circuit Court.