Wanted terror suspect caught behind the wheel: ICE arrests Uzbek trucker with U.S. CDL

Federal immigration agents have arrested 31-year-old Akhror Bozorov, an illegal immigrant from Uzbekistan who was wanted in his home country on terrorism-related charges, while he was driving an 18-wheeler in Kansas. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Bozorov unlawfully crossed the southern border in February 2023, was released into the U.S., and later received work authorization. By January 2024, he had obtained a Pennsylvania commercial driver’s license, allowing him to operate tractor-trailers legally. He continued working in the trucking industry until ICE agents apprehended him on November 9, 2025.

Authorities say Bozorov was previously flagged by Uzbek officials for allegedly distributing extremist propaganda and attempting to recruit others to a terrorist organization. While the government has not disclosed the investigative steps that led to his capture, the case has reignited national concern about vetting failures, immigration loopholes, and the federal system that allows non-citizens to obtain CDLs, even while wanted abroad. The arrest comes as lawmakers and regulators are already debating tighter restrictions on non-domiciled CDL holders and foreign work authorization amid growing pressure to close security gaps before they become catastrophic.