The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a federal court order blocking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from transferring British journalist Sami Hamdi out of California while his case proceeds.
In the order, the Court stated that it believes Hamdi’s legal team has raised serious questions regarding whether his detention was retaliation for protected speech under the First Amendment. The judge also indicated that some form of court-ordered protection “may be appropriate” if ICE continues to hold him. The Court ordered the government to respond and has set a hearing date.
Importantly, the Court ordered ICE not to transfer Hamdi out of California without his consent or a further court order, preserving his access to counsel and maintaining the status quo.
CAIR-CA attorneys met with Hamdi earlier this week at the Golden State Annex detention facility in McFarland, CA, and subsequently filed a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus and an Emergency Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) seeking to block his transfer and secure his release.
“This is an important first step,” said CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush. “The Court has recognized that this case raises serious constitutional concerns and has acted to ensure Sami cannot be quietly moved away from his lawyers. The fight continues for his freedom and for the protection of free speech for everyone.”
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CAIR-CA is representing Hamdi alongside immigration attorney Hassan Ahmad and the Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA).
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’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 Greater Los Angeles Area Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, 714.851.4851, eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central California Communications Director Zaid Hisham, 916.441.6269, zhisham@cair.com; CAIR San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam, 760.201.7626, tnizam@cair.com; CAIR San Francisco Bay Area Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, 408.498.5779, ladam@cair.com