Uzbek national arrested in US over suspected terrorism links

According to Fox News, A.B. worked as a commercial truck driver after entering the country illegally. Uzbekistan had reportedly placed him on an international wanted list in 2022.

According to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), A.B. crossed into the United States unlawfully in February 2023. Although he was initially apprehended by US Border Patrol, he was later allowed entry under the Biden administration and received official authorization to work in January 2024.

ICE stated that A.B. was arrested on 9 November in the state of Kansas while driving a commercial truck. He had obtained a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Pennsylvania, which listed his residence as the Somerton neighborhood of Philadelphia.

For context, political debates continue in Pennsylvania regarding whether driver’s licenses should be issued to non-citizens. During the licensing process, an applicant’s immigration status is verified through an electronic system.

Reports note that A.B.’s case comes at a time when discussions in the US about strengthening oversight of migrants who obtain commercial driver’s licenses have been intensifying.