The arrest of an illegal immigrant truck driver in Kansas has sparked a political firestorm, with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro defending his administration’s licensing process. The driver, Akhror Bozorov, an Uzbek national, was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while operating a commercial vehicle. Authorities have linked him to suspected terrorist activities in Uzbekistan, raising serious concerns about the vetting procedures for commercial driver’s licenses in Pennsylvania.
Bozorov possessed a valid Pennsylvania commercial driver’s license (CDL), which he obtained in July 2023. He was found in Kansas with a CDL registered to a Somerton, Philadelphia address. Following his arrest, Shapiro faced scrutiny from lawmakers who questioned how Bozorov was able to secure a license despite his immigration status and alleged ties to terrorism.
In a response to the backlash, Shapiro emphasized that Bozorov remained in the federal database used by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for verifying the legality of noncitizens holding driver’s licenses as of Wednesday. Officials from PennDOT issued a letter to state lawmakers, refuting claims that illegal immigrants are allowed to obtain state-issued driver’s licenses under the Shapiro administration.
Clarifying the Licensing Process
The letter, signed by PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll and Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt, both of whom are from different political parties, detailed the strict requirements for non-citizens applying for a driver’s license. They noted that all applicants must provide proof of identity and have their legal status validated through the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database, maintained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
According to Shapiro, PennDOT followed the established federal procedures for confirming Bozorov’s legal presence when he applied for his CDL. “Ironically, we went and checked the database yesterday—he’s still qualified to get a CDL,” Shapiro stated, underscoring the reliability of the database at the time of Bozorov’s application.
Political Implications and Criticism
The incident has prompted significant political backlash, particularly from members of the Republican Party, including JD Vance, the Vice President. Vance has accused Shapiro of betraying his Appalachian roots by supporting a freeze on SNAP subsidies while failing to ensure the safety of Pennsylvania’s roads. Lawmakers have voiced concerns that the state is not adequately protecting its citizens from potential threats posed by individuals like Bozorov.
DHS responded to Shapiro’s assertions, clarifying that federal work authorization does not provide legal status in the United States. A spokesperson for DHS stated, “Just because the Biden administration granted Bozorov— a wanted terrorist—work authorization and sanctuary politician Gov. Shapiro allowed him to get a CDL in Pennsylvania, does not mean he should be on America’s roads operating an 18-wheeler.”
The controversy surrounding Bozorov’s arrest has highlighted broader issues regarding immigration policies and state-level oversight. As authorities continue to investigate the implications of this case, both sides of the political spectrum are poised to engage in further debates on immigration and public safety.
As the situation develops, Shapiro’s administration will likely face ongoing scrutiny regarding its handling of noncitizen licensing and the safety measures in place to protect residents from potential threats.
