(HOUSTON, TX, OCTOBER 10, 2025) — The Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, is calling for the immediate release of Ibrahim Al Taha, a Palestinian refugee from Lebanon, currently held by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston.
Al Taha is legally admissible to the United States, having been granted a Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery). He is likely to face deportation as early as tomorrow.
Despite his lawful status, Al Taha has been detained without clear explanation, and his family has been denied communication regarding the reasons behind his detention.
CAIR-Houston considers this treatment unacceptable and a violation of his rights.
Imran Ghani, Director of CAIR-Houston, said: “Mr. Al Talha has gone through the rigorous process of legally applying to immigrate to the United States and has spent his life savings to come here. CAIR-Houston calls on CBP and federal authorities to immediately release Ibrahim, respect his lawful right of entry, and provide him access to legal counsel.
CAIR-Houston reiterates that no individual legally granted entry into the United States should face detention or deportation without due process.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Houston Director Imran Ghani, ighani@cair.com, 713.838.2247