The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed the release of Dr. Fatima Ameaka, a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researcher who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while attempting to board a domestic flight at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport earlier this week.
Dr. Ameaka was released from federal custody Friday evening and is expected to continue pursuing her immigration case through the legal process.
SEE: Johns Hopkins researcher released after arrest by ICE at BWI amid increased airport enforcement
SEE ALSO: Johns Hopkins researcher arrested by ICE at Baltimore airport is being held in Louisiana – Baltimore Sun
“We are relieved that Dr. Ameaka has been released and will be able to pursue her immigration case through traditional channels,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “No researcher, student, worker, or community member should be subjected to this kind of traumatic detention while boarding a domestic flight. Due process and dignity should be upheld for every person.”
CAIR had previously condemned Dr. Ameaka’s arrest and called for her immediate release, access to legal counsel, and respect for her constitutional and human rights.
“Her release is welcome news, but it does not erase the fear and uncertainty inflicted on Dr. Ameaka, her family, her colleagues, and countless immigrants who now worry that ordinary travel could lead to sudden detention,” Chaudry added.
Recently, CAIR condemned ICE enforcement activity at an elementary/middle school in Baltimore during student drop-off, calling the incident a disturbing violation of the safety and dignity that every child and family should be able to expect at school.
SEE: CAIR Md. Condemns ICE Enforcement Action at Baltimore School During Student Drop-Off
CAIR will continue advocating for humane, ethical immigration policies that protect civil rights, preserve due process, and prevent unnecessary family and community trauma.
The civil rights organization urges travelers who believe their civil rights have been violated by immigration or law enforcement authorities to contact an attorney and submit a report to CAIR at CAIR.com/report
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, [email protected], 410-971-6062;
CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, [email protected], 202-744-7726;
CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, [email protected], 202-770-6280