The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today reaffirmed its commitment to combating Islamophobia, xenophobia, and racism following the reelection of Donald Trump. CAIR-LA also commended California Muslims for turning out to vote in yesterday’s election despite deep frustration and disillusionment with both major parties due to their support of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“No matter who won, we knew there would be work to do. The reelection of Trump has brought concerns to many of us who remember the heightened climate of fear and hostility that followed the 2016 election. Our community has not forgotten the rampant Islamophobia, xenophobia, and racism during Trump’s presidency that sparked one of the largest waves of hate targeting American Muslims that CAIR has seen in its history. Amid his reelection, we reaffirm our commitment to defending the civil rights, safety, and dignity of American Muslims and every community facing injustice.
“We commend American Muslim voters for making their voices heard in races across the country, and up and down the ballot, in the 2024 election. Our community made it clear: the genocide in Gaza is our red line.
“No politician or party has ownership of the Muslim vote. Going forward, we expect all elected officials to genuinely address the urgent concerns of Muslim voters, including President-Elect Trump. It is important for Trump to now recognize that most Americans do not want to see more bigotry here at home or more war overseas. We urge the president-elect to pursue peace abroad, beginning with ending U.S. complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza. However, this must be a real peace based on justice, freedom and a state for the Palestinian people.”
During Trump’s previous presidency, CAIR-LA actively opposed numerous policies and actions that targeted American Muslims and other marginalized communities by:
- Protesting against unjust immigration policies, such as the Muslim Ban, attempts to dismantle Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and family separations at the border, as well as providing legal assistance to those affected by the administration’s immigration restrictions.
- Supporting legislation at the state and federal level aimed at protecting immigrant and civil rights, and religious freedoms.
- Condemning the rise in Islamophobia, xenophobia, and other forms of bigotry while equipping community members with tools to respond to hate crimes and understand their rights.
- Pushing for higher voter turnout among American Muslims and encouraging civic participation to ensure that their voices are heard in local and national elections.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator Madi Morse-Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com