Massachusetts Truck Driver Accused in State Trooper’s Death is Illegal Immigrant
A Massachusetts commercial truck driver, currently facing $700,000 bail on charges of causing the death of a Pennsylvania state trooper in a fiery collision, has been identified as an illegal immigrant from Haiti, according to federal authorities.
Background on Michael Bong
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed that Michael Bong, 33, from Brockton, has been in the U.S. illegally since June 2025. Despite this, Massachusetts issued him a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Bong was granted parole by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon arrival at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on July 2, 2024. However, his application for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) made under the Biden administration later that year was denied. Additionally, a recent ruling by the Supreme Court upheld the federal government’s decision to end TPS for Haitian nationals.
Termination of Parole Status
DHS stated that Bong’s parole will be terminated in June 2025, as outlined in a notice issued on June 13. Despite this termination, Bong did not leave the country and continued to reside in the United States, primarily in Brockton.
Controversy Surrounding CDL Issuance
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has placed some responsibility on the federal government, asserting that Bong met the eligibility requirements for a nonresident commercial driver’s license when he applied in March 2025. RMV spokeswoman Amelia Aubourg expressed sorrow for the incident, stating that the death of Officer Michael Pahira Jr. is a profound tragedy. Aubourg emphasized that the CDL program follows federal guidelines, and Bong was deemed eligible based on federal databases from the Trump administration.
Regulatory Context and State Police Oversight
Despite the RMV’s defense of its licensing procedures, the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) are responsible for administering CDL skills and road tests. In light of recent controversies involving the MSP’s CDL unit, specifically allegations of misconduct where troopers were found guilty of conspiring to falsely pass drivers, questions remain about the oversight of this program.
Charges Filed Following Fatal Crash
Bong faces multiple charges, including manslaughter and vehicular homicide, following the tragic incident on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County that resulted in the death of 44-year-old state trooper Michael Pahira. The crash occurred just after 7 a.m. Wednesday while Pahira was conducting a routine commercial inspection. Eyewitness accounts indicated that Bong’s tractor-trailer veered off the road, colliding with Pahira’s patrol vehicle, which was parked on the shoulder.
Details from the Tragic Incident
Construction workers at the scene witnessed the aftermath and rushed to assist, managing to pull Pahira away from the wreck. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead later that morning at Schuylkill-Lehigh Valley Hospital. During the incident, another driver, who had been interacting with Pahira, also lost consciousness due to the impact but provided critical dashcam footage to authorities.
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation
Governor Josh Shapiro expressed his condolences during a press conference, urging the public to support Pahira’s family and the greater law enforcement community. Pahira had served over two decades with the Pennsylvania State Police and was remembered as a devoted family member.
Bong, now in custody at the Schuylkill County Jail, is awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 16, 2023.
