The reported detention of a Dallas Muslim advocacy group leader by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has left the local community in shock.
Marwan Marouf, who served as the public relations and fundraising director for the Dallas chapter of the Muslim-American Society, was detained Monday morning after dropping his son off at school, according to the Muslim Legal Fund of America.
Marouf had obtained sponsorship from his employment and aid to obtain permanent residency status, which was denied prior to his detention. He has been in the U.S. for 30 years, according to the MLFA.
鈥淲e are mindful that we are up against a system of immense resources 鈥� one that has consistently targeted those who dare to speak truth to power, especially immigrants and advocates for Palestine," read a . "This playbook is not new. But neither is our resilience, nor our faith.鈥�
ICE did not respond to 四虎影院's request for information about Marouf鈥檚 detention.
The news has shaken community members like longtime MAS member Noor Wadi.
鈥淭his is a man who has been in service of our community for decades,鈥� Wadi said. 鈥淚t's shocked our community truly to the core to see how swiftly and how unjustly he was detained after dropping off his son to school.鈥�
MAS provides community assistance to Muslims in North Texas and according to Wadi, Marouf was at the center of the groups outreach.
Marouf has since had contact with his family, including his four sons, who Wadi says are 鈥渃autiously optimistic鈥� about their father鈥檚 return home.
Wadi referred to Marouf as a mentor.
鈥淵ou would be hard-pressed to find anyone in the area who has not been personally impacted by his kindness,鈥� Wadi said. 鈥淗e's the person that has been humbly working behind the scenes to keep these services going and people connected to what they need.鈥�
Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela is 四虎影院's breaking news reporter. Got a tip? Email Emmanuel at erivas@kera.org.
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