Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem visited Bakersfield, California, to address crimes allegedly committed by undocumented immigrants, focusing on the case of Dalilah Coleman, a seven-year-old girl severely injured in a 2024 crash involving an undocumented truck driver. This visit is part of a broader initiative aimed at highlighting incidents related to undocumented immigrants across the United States.
During her visit on Thursday, Noem underscored the tragic circumstances surrounding Dalilah’s injury, which occurred in a six-vehicle collision on Highway 395 in San Bernardino County. Dalilah, who was just five years old at the time, suffered severe brain swelling, necessitating life support. Today, while she cannot speak, her family describes her as having an uplifting spirit and a radiant smile that continues to inspire those around her.
The driver implicated in the incident, Partap Singh, is reportedly an undocumented immigrant from India and is currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Texas. Noem’s engagement with the Coleman family is part of her tour across the country, where she has been meeting with families affected by similar tragedies, often referred to as “angel families.”
Dalilah’s mother, Ileana Krause, expressed her astonishment at the attention their story has received. The family had traveled to Washington, D.C., hoping to share their experience, but did not expect such widespread recognition. Her husband, Marcus Coleman, also a truck driver, shared their decision to visit Singh while he was detained, emphasizing the emotional complexity of the encounter. Initially, the family harbored significant resentment towards the driver involved in the crash.
Krause explained how they have sought to release their negative emotions. She noted that holding onto anger is detrimental to their well-being, and they have chosen to focus on Dalilah’s healing instead. Nearly two years after the crash, Dalilah is now a first-grader facing a prolonged recovery journey, involving ongoing rehabilitation and a surgery scheduled for next year. The family is actively saving for this upcoming medical procedure.
Marcus Coleman has also raised concerns about the trucking industry’s standards, advocating for stricter training and testing requirements. He believes current regulations may permit individuals too young to operate heavy machinery independently and that the testing processes need improvement to ensure only qualified drivers are on the roads.
Despite the political implications surrounding their story, the Coleman family emphasizes that their primary focus remains on Dalilah’s health and recovery. They are committed to providing her with the necessary support and resources during this challenging time. Above all, they hope that their experience can foster understanding, compassion, and unity rather than division.
The family has put aside their feelings of anger to concentrate on the healing of their beloved daughter. They intend to channel their energy into ensuring her progress and well-being, united in their prayers for her continued recovery.
