Dallas Muslim Community Leader Detained by ICE, Leaving Family and Community Reeling
Marwan Marouf, a respected community leader in Dallas, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for over 50 days, sparking widespread outrage and concern among his family, friends, and the broader Muslim community. The 54-year-old Palestinian-American, born in Kuwait and raised in Jordan, was arrested on September 22 at his home, just moments after dropping off his 15-year-old son at school.
Marouf's detention has sent shockwaves through the Dallas Muslim community, where he is widely regarded as a pillar of respectability and service. Friends and family describe him as a kind and generous individual who has always been willing to lend a helping hand, whether it be by volunteering his time or providing financial support to those in need.
To Imam Omar Suleiman, Marouf's friend and colleague, he is "the heart" of the community. "He has been struggling quite a bit with his health, physically and mentally," said Mohammed Marouf, Marwan's eldest son. Despite his father's serious heart condition, known as Brugada syndrome, Marouf remains determined to fight for his freedom.
Marouf's detention is part of a larger pattern of ICE targeting long-time residents with deep community ties under the guise of immigration enforcement. The government has accused him of overstaying his visa and providing material support to the Holy Land Foundation, a charity that was shut down in 2009 after being designated as a terrorist organization.
However, Marouf's lawyers and family deny all the allegations, claiming they are false and motivated by politics. "This is a person who has always served our community," said Noor Wadi, a federal criminal defense lawyer and leader of the Justice for Marwan campaign. "Now it's our time to do what we can to help him back."
The situation has sparked widespread outrage and concern among the Muslim community, with many taking to social media to raise awareness about Marouf's case and call for his release. A petition demanding Marouf be freed from ICE detention has garnered over 17,000 signatures, while supporters have sent thousands of letters to their Congresspeople pressing them to take action.
As Marouf's final immigration court date approaches, the community remains hopeful that he will be released from detention and allowed to re-enter the United States. The case highlights the dangers of politicizing immigration proceedings and targeting individuals based on trumped-up allegations, according to lawyer Marium Uddin.
"Marwan's case reflects a deeply troubling pattern we are seeing across the country," said Uddin. "This is an assault on the basic human rights this country claims to stand for."
The situation has also raised concerns about the impact of ICE's actions on the Muslim community, with many feeling that they are being unfairly targeted and profiled.
"It shouldn't have to take the fear for your tomorrow to do what's right for someone else today," said Imam Suleiman. "So many people are unknowingly building the infrastructure of their own repression tomorrow."
The case has sparked a renewed sense of community activism in Dallas, with supporters gathering for vigils and protests to show solidarity with Marouf and other detained individuals.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Marwan Marouf's detention has left a gaping hole in the lives of those who know him, and it remains to be seen what the future holds for this devoted community leader.
Marwan Marouf, a respected community leader in Dallas, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for over 50 days, sparking widespread outrage and concern among his family, friends, and the broader Muslim community. The 54-year-old Palestinian-American, born in Kuwait and raised in Jordan, was arrested on September 22 at his home, just moments after dropping off his 15-year-old son at school.
Marouf's detention has sent shockwaves through the Dallas Muslim community, where he is widely regarded as a pillar of respectability and service. Friends and family describe him as a kind and generous individual who has always been willing to lend a helping hand, whether it be by volunteering his time or providing financial support to those in need.
To Imam Omar Suleiman, Marouf's friend and colleague, he is "the heart" of the community. "He has been struggling quite a bit with his health, physically and mentally," said Mohammed Marouf, Marwan's eldest son. Despite his father's serious heart condition, known as Brugada syndrome, Marouf remains determined to fight for his freedom.
Marouf's detention is part of a larger pattern of ICE targeting long-time residents with deep community ties under the guise of immigration enforcement. The government has accused him of overstaying his visa and providing material support to the Holy Land Foundation, a charity that was shut down in 2009 after being designated as a terrorist organization.
However, Marouf's lawyers and family deny all the allegations, claiming they are false and motivated by politics. "This is a person who has always served our community," said Noor Wadi, a federal criminal defense lawyer and leader of the Justice for Marwan campaign. "Now it's our time to do what we can to help him back."
The situation has sparked widespread outrage and concern among the Muslim community, with many taking to social media to raise awareness about Marouf's case and call for his release. A petition demanding Marouf be freed from ICE detention has garnered over 17,000 signatures, while supporters have sent thousands of letters to their Congresspeople pressing them to take action.
As Marouf's final immigration court date approaches, the community remains hopeful that he will be released from detention and allowed to re-enter the United States. The case highlights the dangers of politicizing immigration proceedings and targeting individuals based on trumped-up allegations, according to lawyer Marium Uddin.
"Marwan's case reflects a deeply troubling pattern we are seeing across the country," said Uddin. "This is an assault on the basic human rights this country claims to stand for."
The situation has also raised concerns about the impact of ICE's actions on the Muslim community, with many feeling that they are being unfairly targeted and profiled.
"It shouldn't have to take the fear for your tomorrow to do what's right for someone else today," said Imam Suleiman. "So many people are unknowingly building the infrastructure of their own repression tomorrow."
The case has sparked a renewed sense of community activism in Dallas, with supporters gathering for vigils and protests to show solidarity with Marouf and other detained individuals.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Marwan Marouf's detention has left a gaping hole in the lives of those who know him, and it remains to be seen what the future holds for this devoted community leader.
. Detaining someone like Marwan Marouf just 'cause they have deep roots in the community is messed up. He's not some random immigrant; he's a respected community leader who has given so much back. 17k signatures against his detention are a start, but it's time for actual change 
. The gov should focus on deporting people who actually pose a threat, not just random folks like Marouf who have been living here for years. And what's with the "overstaying visa" claim? It sounds like a convenient excuse to me 
. I'm all for immigration reform, but this is just ridiculous. We need to stand up for people like Marouf and demand their freedom 
. And then I started thinking about how much I love playing laser tag, like what is it about the thrill of being chased by friends that gets me pumped up? It's like, our community is in crisis right now with Marouf's detention and I feel so helpless just watching from afar 
. But at the same time, seeing all these people come together to support him is really inspiring... did you guys know my cousin married a guy who works for NASA? Anyway, back to laser tag, have you played it recently?
ICE is at it again... like they're hunting down ppl just cuz they don't wanna deport them, but it's all about politics. Marwan Marouf was a good person & had nothing to do with terrorism. It's so unfair that his family has to deal with this stress & anxiety. 50 days is way too long for someone who's sick & needs treatment 
. We need more awareness & support for ppl like Marouf, who are just trying to live their lives in peace 
ICE is like totally targeting ppl who r good citizens & have done nothin' wrong 
marwan's case is a total example of how politicizin immigration is goin down 
& it's soooo not right 
my heart is breaking thinking about marwan 
and this has to happen to him? 
it's time we make our voices heard and stand up for what's right 
like, I get that they think Marouf might've done something wrong, but detaining a 54-year-old dude with Brugada syndrome is just low-key evil 
OMG u guys cant believe wat happend 2 marwan marouf? hes like a pillar of respectability n service in his community & now hes detained by ice 4 over 50 days 
the impact of ice's actions on our communities is real nd it can't be ignored 
... like Marwan's family & community, who are goin thru hell right now 
. We should be focusin on buildin bridges, not walls 
. We gotta stand up 4 Marwan & others like him 
... and remember, kindness is the best superpower we got 
I just heard about Marwan Marouf being detained by ICE and it's really heartbreaking. He sounds like such a kind and generous person, always willing to help others. It's not right that he's going through all this stress and uncertainty just because of some false allegations. 
️, and now his family is dealing with the stress of not knowing what's next for their loved one 
. Marouf's lawyers and family are fighting for his freedom, and I say keep fighting - he deserves nothing but that 
.
17k ppl already signed a petition demanding his release, that's how many people care about his fate! 
OMG u guys I cant even right now I'm literally shaking with anger & sadness thinking about Marwan Marouf being detained by ICE for over 50 days! 
. His family and friends r going through so much emotional pain & stress, and it's heartbreaking to see them be treated like this 
Let's make some noise on social media & contact our Congresspeople 2 demand Marwan's release 
. This is NOT politics, this is basic human rights! 
I'm totally bummed that Marwan Marouf is going through this 
We need more people like Marwan who are making a difference in their communities 
And let's not forget, Marium Uddin's words are so true - this is an assault on basic human rights 
. We need to stand up for our community leaders like Marouf and demand justice 
22% increase in detentions since 2020 
. This case highlights the importance of community activism & awareness campaigns 
- let's keep pushing for Marwan's freedom & an end to these unjust detentions!