The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned Islamophobic remarks made by LaSalle County Board Member James Reid regarding a proposed housing development in LaSalle County and called on the county board to formally censure him.
During a June 8 public meeting, Reid falsely suggested that the development would operate under “Sharia law.” He further attempted to justify his remarks by claiming he had “the experience of seeing how Sharia law works” while serving in the U.S. military.
“These Islamophobic statements represent the alarming comfortability with being anti-Muslim as an elected official,” said CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab. “Like any other housing development, a development made within the state of Illinois will be governed under Illinois state law.”
The developer has publicly rejected claims that the project would be a “Muslim-only resort,” describing those allegations as false and reiterating that the development will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Despite these assurances, public discussion surrounding the proposal has been fueled by misinformation and unfounded conspiracy theories rather than facts.
Claims that American Muslims seek to replace U.S. law with “Sharia law” are a longstanding anti-Muslim trope used to generate fear, suspicion, and hostility toward Muslim communities.
The Constitution’s Supremacy Clause makes clear that the Constitution is the law of the land. No faith community can impose its religious beliefs on the American people, and no branch of government can prevent Americans from freely practicing their faith. Allegations to the contrary are baseless conspiracy theories.
Faith-centered communities are neither unusual nor controversial in the United States. Americans of many religious traditions choose to live near houses of worship, schools, and institutions that reflect their values. Illinois is home to Reba Place Fellowship, an intentional Christian community in Evanston and Chicago, while similar faith-based communities exist throughout the country. These communities operate under the same laws and constitutional protections as everyone else.
Vairt, a Pennsylvania-based company, has stated that its projects are designed to comply fully with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. CAIR-Chicago is deeply concerned that the company has already reported facing significant misinformation, hostility, and, in some cases, threats directed at its team members and prospective residents before construction has even begun.
Public officials have a responsibility to engage in fact-based discussions and uphold constitutional principles, not amplify fear and prejudice. Statements that falsely portray Muslim-led developments as threats to public safety or the rule of law stigmatize Muslim communities, fuel hostility, and undermine the values of religious liberty and equal protection that define our nation.
CAIR-Chicago calls on the LaSalle County Board to formally censure Board Member Reid for promoting anti-Muslim conspiracy theories and making remarks incompatible with the responsibilities of public office. Elected officials have a duty to represent all residents fairly and foster informed public discussion, not inflame prejudice against religious minorities.
CAIR-Chicago also urges local leaders and community members to reject misinformation and engage in constructive, fact-based dialogue about the proposed development.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, CAIR-Chicago Executive Director, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com; Jordan Esparza-Kelley, CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator, 224-627-1032, j-esparzakelley@cair.com