HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania’s Republican leadership is demanding a full investigation after federal authorities confirmed that Akhror Bozorov, a 31-year-old Uzbek national with alleged ties to terrorism, obtained a Pennsylvania commercial driver’s license while living in the United States illegally.
Bozorov, who is accused by Uzbek authorities of recruiting extremists, distributing jihadist propaganda, and calling for jihad online, was arrested by ICE in Kansas on November 9 while operating an 18-wheeler. He had been granted work authorization in early 2024 and subsequently obtained a Pennsylvania CDL and Real ID.
PA GOP Chairman Greg Rothman called the situation a serious security lapse, arguing that state systems failed to detect or flag the applicant’s alleged ties. He said this incident raises critical questions about the oversight processes used to vet CDL applicants.
“This is not just a policy failure, this is a national security breach right here in Pennsylvania,” Rothman said. He added that the individuals responsible for approving the license “need to be found, fired,” and insisted that Governor Josh Shapiro explain how the approval occurred.
The GOP is now urging both state and federal oversight agencies to review how Bozorov received a license that allowed him to operate a commercial vehicle across the country. At the center of the dispute is whether existing safeguards — including federal immigration checks and state-level verification — functioned properly when Bozorov was approved.
Federal officials say Bozorov illegally entered the United States in February 2023 and was initially detained by Border Patrol before being released under federal immigration policies that allow some individuals to await hearings outside custody. Uzbek authorities issued an arrest warrant in 2022, accusing him of involvement with a terrorist organization and online radicalization efforts.
His arrest in Kansas has renewed scrutiny of vetting systems used to grant work authorization and credentials to individuals flagged in foreign investigations. The Department of Homeland Security criticized the issuance of licenses to people under terrorism investigations, noting the public safety risks of allowing such individuals to operate heavy commercial vehicles.
Bozorov remains in ICE custody as federal authorities continue to assess his case, which has widened an already contentious debate over immigration enforcement, background checks, and state responsibility in issuing federally recognized identification.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.