The detention of a respected Ohio imam by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has triggered widespread condemnation, with advocates warning of potential religious discrimination in immigration enforcement.
Sheikh Mohamed Hassan, a 52-year-old spiritual leader at a Columbus mosque, was taken into custody last week during what ICE described as a 'routine compliance check'. Community members insist the imam had no prior criminal record and had lived in the US for over 15 years.
Community Outcry
'This feels like targeted harassment of our religious leaders,' said Amina El-Tahir, spokesperson for the Ohio Muslim Council. 'Sheikh Mohamed was known for his interfaith work and community service. There's no justification for this treatment.'
Over 300 protesters gathered outside the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center where Hassan is being held, carrying signs reading 'Free Our Imam' and 'Religious Freedom for All'.
Legal Battle Looms
Civil rights attorneys have filed an emergency motion challenging the detention as unconstitutional. 'This appears to be selective enforcement based on religious identity,' argued lead counsel David Rosenbaum. 'We're prepared to take this all the way to federal court.'
ICE officials declined to comment on the specifics of Hassan's case but maintained their actions were 'in full compliance with immigration laws and procedures'.
Political Fallout
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers while some Republican representatives have defended ICE's actions as necessary for national security.
As the legal battle continues, community leaders have organized nightly vigils and launched a petition that's gathered over 25,000 signatures demanding Hassan's release.
