Uzbek National Wanted for Terrorism, Released by Biden Admin, Held Pennsylvania CDL

Federal authorities have arrested an illegal immigrant from Uzbekistan, Akhror Bozorov, who was reportedly released into the United States by the Biden administration and subsequently obtained a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Pennsylvania. Bozorov, 31, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on November 9 while driving an 18-wheeler in Kansas. Uzbekistan authorities had issued a warrant for his arrest in 2022, accusing him of distributing terrorist propaganda and recruiting for jihad online.

Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, > "Not only was Akhror Bozorov — a wanted terrorist — RELEASED into the country by the Biden administration, but he was also given a commercial driver’s license by Governor Shapiro’s Pennsylvania." Bozorov reportedly entered the U.S. illegally in February 2023 and was released by the Biden administration after being apprehended by Border Patrol. He was granted work authorization in January 2024.

The issuance of a CDL to Bozorov by Pennsylvania, under Governor Josh Shapiro, has drawn scrutiny. PennDOT policy allows non-citizens with temporary or permanent resident status to qualify for licenses, with immigration and naturalization documents verified against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) website. Bozorov's license indicated he resided in the Somerton area of Philadelphia.

This incident comes amid broader concerns regarding national security and border policies. The House Judiciary Committee released a report in August 2024, alleging that the Biden-Harris administration had released at least 99 illegal aliens on the terrorist watchlist into the United States since January 2021. Lawmakers have frequently expressed apprehension about the vetting processes at the southern border.

The arrest has intensified the debate surrounding immigration enforcement and the potential security risks posed by individuals released into the country. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security have emphasized the need to prevent individuals with potential terrorist ties from operating commercial vehicles on American highways. The case highlights ongoing discussions about the balance between immigration policies and national security safeguards.