A 31-year-old Uzbek national wanted on terrorism charges in his home country has been arrested in Kansas after living and working freely in the United States. Federal officials say the man, who allegedly spread jihadist propaganda online, entered the country illegally and later obtained legal work authorization, allowing him to secure a commercial driver’s license. His arrest has reignited fierce scrutiny of U.S. immigration policies and the vetting of individuals released into American communities.
Terror Charges from Uzbekistan
Uzbek authorities issued an arrest warrant for Akhror Bozorov in 2022 for alleged membership in a terrorist organization. According to the Department of Homeland Security, he is accused of distributing online propaganda urging jihad and recruiting individuals to join the movement. Officials say his activities abroad formed the basis of the terrorism charges still pending against him.
Illegal Entry into the U.S.
Bozorov entered the United States illegally in February 2023. He was detained by U.S. Border Patrol, then released into American communities by the Biden administration. DHS records indicate he remained inside the country with no immediate deportation proceedings that would have removed him following his initial arrest.
Work Authorization Granted
In January 2024, the Biden administration granted Bozorov work authorization, enabling him to hold legal employment in the United States. With that authorization, he pursued work as a commercial truck driver, a job that requires access to major highways and sensitive commercial routes.
Commercial License Issued
The state of Pennsylvania issued Bozorov a commercial driver’s license, clearing him to operate heavy commercial vehicles. Images released by DHS show the license that allowed him to drive 18-wheelers across multiple states. Federal officials have raised serious concerns about how an individual with an international terrorism warrant was permitted to obtain such credentials.
Arrest in Kansas
On November 9, ICE agents arrested Bozorov while he was working in Kansas as a commercial truck operator. Officials said the arrest was part of increased enforcement efforts targeting national security threats. DHS emphasized that his apprehension was a high-priority operation due to his terrorism allegations and his mobility across state lines.
Administration Criticism
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a sharp rebuke of the Biden administration, stating, “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.” She added, “This should go without saying, but terrorist illegal aliens should not be operating 18-wheelers on America’s highways.” McLaughlin further argued, “Biden and Mayorkas allowed countless terrorists to come into our country. President Trump and Secretary Noem unleashed ICE to target these national security threats.”
Renewed National Security Debate
The case has revived political tensions surrounding border security, vetting procedures, and federal release policies. Lawmakers and security officials are now questioning how an internationally wanted suspect was allowed to live and work freely in the United States for months. The incident adds new pressure on immigration agencies as they face escalating scrutiny over the handling of high-risk individuals.