US Muslims Navigate Ramadan Amid Immigration Fears and Rising Islamophobia
Muslim communities throughout the United States are observing the holy month of Ramadan under a heavy cloud of anxiety, with federal immigration crackdowns, virulent anti-Muslim rhetoric, and escalating Middle East conflicts casting shadows over traditional prayers and festive gatherings.
Community Gatherings Disrupted by Enforcement Fears
In Paterson, New Jersey, home to one of America's highest per capita Muslim populations, 18-year-old Haneen Alatiyat expressed deep regret that fear and uncertainty are preventing many community members from embracing Ramadan's cherished communal traditions. "The meaning of the holiday is to be together with the people you love," said Alatiyat, who is of Palestinian and Jordanian heritage. "Unfortunately, because of the ICE raids that are happening, people don't want to do that."
Rania Mustafa, executive director of the Palestinian American Community Center in Clifton, New Jersey, confirmed the profound impact on her community. "This Ramadan has already been heavy for many families in our community with the immigration crackdowns," she explained. "Now, as the war on Iran started, many people here are experiencing another layer of fear and grief."
Economic and Psychological Toll in Minnesota
The recent large-scale immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota have created a powerful mix of emotions during Ramadan, according to Imam Yusuf Abdulle, executive director of the Islamic Association of North America. Many feel "blessed that we are alive and well" while simultaneously feeling "bruised, affected, devastated economically, psychologically."
The economic consequences have been particularly stark at the Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center in Minneapolis, where communal iftar meals have been reduced to dates and water. Abdulle attributed this change to the financial strain on community businesses that typically sponsor such gatherings, as people stayed away during the crackdown. "Eating together and sharing stories while eating, it was beautiful," he recalled wistfully. "I hope that comes back."
Even with the withdrawal of most immigration officers, Abdulle noted that some community members—especially asylum-seekers and refugees—remain cautious about venturing out to mosques. "The fear is very much there and it will be there for a while."
Resilience Amidst Adversity
Despite these challenges, family nurse practitioner Munira Maalimisaq, CEO of Inspire Change Clinic serving marginalized communities in Minnesota, sees reasons for gratitude. "Even with the challenges, there's a strengthened sense of community, resilience, and hope alongside the usual spiritual reflection, prayer, and charity that Ramadan brings."
In response to growing anxieties, Muslim organizations have issued know-your-rights guidance during Ramadan. The Muslim Public Affairs Council created a safety guide specifically addressing immigration enforcement interactions. MPAC official Dahlia M. Taha explained that guidance for imams aims to help them address congregants' fears without causing panic or spreading misinformation.
"There is a deep sense of community and peace that always comes with Ramadan," said Taha, noting that many mosques remain well-attended. "Nonetheless, people are carrying fear, anxiety, and uncertainty alongside our faith. Devotion and concern are existing side by side. I think everyone is just exhausted."
Security Concerns and Political Rhetoric
Ibrahim Dyfan, executive director of Masjid Al Shareef in Long Beach, California, reported that his 2,000-strong congregation, like other Muslim communities, is coping with stress related to rising Islamophobia, immigration enforcement, and Middle East conflicts. The mosque has boosted security for prayer services during Ramadan.
"All we can do is continue praying and fasting," Dyfan stated. "This, like everything else, will pass. At the same time, we also need to pay attention to what is happening around us, and take the necessary precautions."
A wave of anti-Muslim language has intensified in Republican campaigns this election year, most prominently in Texas. Governor Greg Abbott, who clinched the GOP nomination for a fourth term, helped lead efforts to stop a Muslim-centered planned community near Dallas. In Congress, several bills have been introduced recently targeting Shariah law.
Representative Randy Fine, a Florida Republican, recently compared Muslims unfavorably to dogs in a social media post, prompting the Council on American-Islamic Relations and Democratic members of Congress to call for his resignation.
Muslim American leaders view this vitriol as election-year scaremongering that has become more intense than in recent campaign seasons. Edward Ahmed Mitchell, CAIR's national deputy director, observed: "Every election year, you see an increase in anti-Muslim bigotry in certain parts of the country, where politicians see Muslim Americans as a useful political football. We expect that—but it's so much worse than usual this time."
Hope for Peace Amidst Turmoil
In Paterson, many families worry about relatives in conflict-wracked regions of North Africa and the Middle East, including those in Gaza struggling to access sufficient food supplies. Yet Rania Mustafa expressed pride in her community's perseverance.
"Despite what's going on in the world, Ramadan reminds us of the strength and resilience of our community," she affirmed. "People are still gathering for prayer, sharing meals, checking on one another, and supporting families who are struggling."
As sunset approached on a section of Paterson's Main Street renamed "Palestine Way," people arrived at homes and restaurants to break their fast. Raed Odeh, owner of Palestine Hair Salon and Paterson's deputy mayor, lamented how Middle East tumult and U.S. immigration crackdowns were dampening what should be a joyful month.
"This is not only affecting those who don't have documents, this is also affecting everyone else around," Odeh noted while shaving a client's beard. He urged the release of Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian woman and Paterson resident held in immigration detention for a year after attending a protest in New York.
At this time of turmoil, Odeh shared the hope of many during Ramadan, regardless of ethnicity or religion: "Of course, everybody is hoping for peace."
