ICE Arrests Two Uzbek Truckers in NJ Over Fraudulent CDLs
ICE arrested two Uzbek nationals in New Jersey on August 23, 2026, as part of a DHS and Department of Transportation crackdown on fraudulent commercial driver's licenses. Both men are now in ICE custody facing removal proceedings. The operation signals that document irregularities — not just criminal records — can trigger detention and deportation.
What if you or someone you know is in removal proceedings after an ICE arrest tied to a license or document issue? That situation is exactly what two men in New Jersey now face — and the federal crackdown behind their arrests is still expanding.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark arrested Zokhid Zakhidov, 37, in Woodbridge and Khayrullo Payzullaev, 30, in Hamilton on August 23, 2026. Both men are citizens of Uzbekistan. The arrests came during operations supporting a Department of Homeland Security effort to identify fraudulent commercial driver's license (CDL) practices — meaning licenses obtained through illegal or dishonest means — across the country.
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Zakhidov was found with a New York commercial learner permit. His record includes a driving while intoxicated conviction in New York on May 15, pending assault and harassment charges dating to January 26, and a fugitive-from-justice arrest by Cranbury police on April 28. He is in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. Payzullaev held a non-domiciled Pennsylvania CDL — a license issued to someone who does not actually live in that state. A Department of Justice immigration judge in Philadelphia ordered him detained on July 21. He also remains in ICE custody pending removal.
In July 2026, DHS and the Department of Transportation announced a formal partnership to target fraud at CDL schools nationwide. ICE Newark Field Office Director Arthur Wilson confirmed that ICE officers in New Jersey are now certified by the Department of Transportation to identify fraudulent CDL operators. The agency framed both arrests as part of a broader public safety mission under the current administration.
What to do if you or someone you know is detained by ICE
- Do not answer questions about your immigration status without a lawyer present. You have the right to remain silent.
- Ask for a lawyer immediately after any ICE arrest. You have the right to contact an attorney or a legal aid organization.
- If a removal order has been issued, lawyers recommend filing a Motion to Reopen (a formal request asking the immigration court to reconsider the case) within 90 days of the order.
- If you need more time before deportation, an attorney can help you apply for a Stay of Deportation using Form I-246 (the official request to pause a removal). The current filing fee is $155.
Related: our step-by-step guide — “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
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When someone is arrested by ICE and placed in removal proceedings, the clock starts immediately. You have 30 days to appeal a removal order to the Board of Immigration Appeals, and only 90 days to file a Motion to Reopen if new evidence or legal arguments exist. A pending criminal charge — even without a conviction — can affect bond eligibility and the judge's detention decision, so it is critical to have an attorney present at the first hearing. Anyone in this situation should consult an immigration lawyer before their initial court appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ICE arrest me just because of a problem with my driver's license?
Yes. If ICE determines that you are unlawfully present in the US, any encounter — including one involving a driver's license issue — can lead to arrest and removal proceedings. A fraudulent or non-domiciled CDL can draw federal attention under the current DHS-DOT partnership.
What happens after ICE places someone in removal proceedings?
The person appears before an immigration judge, who decides whether they can be released on bond or must stay detained. The judge then hears the case and can issue a removal order. You have 30 days to appeal that order.
What is a non-domiciled CDL and why does it matter for immigration?
A non-domiciled CDL is a commercial driver's license issued by a state where the person does not actually live. Federal law restricts who can get these licenses. Holding one under false pretenses can be treated as document fraud, which is a serious issue in immigration court.
Can a DUI conviction affect my removal case?
Yes. A DUI conviction can be considered a crime involving moral turpitude or an aggravated felony depending on the circumstances, which may make you ineligible for certain forms of relief from removal. Lawyers strongly recommend disclosing any criminal history to your attorney before your hearing.