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Following the death of a Pennsylvania state trooper, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is being asked to request a review of all commercial driver’s licenses issued in the state. The review, called for by Massachusetts House Republicans, would check for any suspensions, revocations, or outstanding issues among license holders and could lead to safer roads. The request comes in the wake of a fatal accident involving a Haitian immigrant who had been issued a commercial driver’s license by Massachusetts and was living illegally in the U.S.
In the wake of the death of a Pennsylvania state trooper, the Massachusetts RMV is under pressure from House Republicans to review all commercial driver’s licenses, including those held by non-domiciled individuals. This follows the issuing of a commercial driver’s license to the accused, a Haitian illegal immigrant.
The review ensures all licenses are devoid of pending suspensions, revocations or disputes, as per a GOP letter to Gov. Maura Healey. Michael Bon, a 33-year-old undocumented Haitian living in Brockton, stands accused of killing state trooper Michael Pahira in a crash in Pennsylvania.
Despite residing illegally since 2025, Bon had been issued a CDL via Massachusetts RMV. However, the RMV rebuts blame, stating Bon met federal standards at the time of application in March 2025.
House Republicans have requested that the RMV review all licenses within 30 days, ensuring Commonwealth’s alignment with federal roadway safety standards. The review, triggered by recent road tragedies, could lead to safer roads, GOP leaders assert.
An RMV spokesperson stated they are preparing a comprehensive response to their queries, assuring that their commercial driving credential programs comply with federal law. Bon, who arrived in the U.S in 2024, applied for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) that ultimately was never granted. Despite the termination of Bon’s parole by USCIS in June 2025, he has remained in the U.S. illegally.
The RMV has labelled Pahira’s death a “tragic incident,” demanding maximum prosecution for Bon. They also defended the non-domiciled CDL program, stating it falls under federal purview, and Bon was deemed eligible based on the federal database.
The GOP letter to Healey highlights the reinstated federal English-language proficiency requirements for truck drivers, a move towards enhancing road safety. Bon, who had his CDL renewed in 2026, would not have been approved under a new rule implemented by the Trump administration in 2026.
The tragic crash occurred on I-81 in Schuylkill County, killing trooper Pahira who was conducting a routine commercial inspection. Bon, detained earlier this month, is currently held in Schuylkill County Prison after failing to post bail.
At the federal level, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is pressing Congress to pass Dalilah’s Law, ensuring CDL holders are properly trained and proficient in English. Meanwhile, non-domiciled CDL holders are generally unvetted, unlike U.S. applicants.
Pa. State Police and WFMZ-TV photos
Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael Pahira Jr. was killed in a crash that police say was caused by Michael Bon, 33, of Brockton, Mass., who is in the country illegally. (Pa. State Police and WFMZ-TV photos)
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