The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, issued a statement of solidarity with a community member currently detained at Delaney Hall, his family, and the organizers of a rally to highlight his story.
Community members, faith leaders, and local advocates will gather this Saturday in Metuchen in support of the family of Sener Kalkan, a Metuchen resident who has been detained at Delaney Hall since December 1st during a routine immigration check-in related to his asylum application.
Event Details:
Location: Address 270 Woodbridge Avenue Metuchen NJ (Social Hall to the right of the Cemetery)
Date: Saturday, January 10th, 2026
Time: 1 PM
Kalkan is a Turkish national and a member of the Muslim faith. He entered the United States in 2021 and has complied with all immigration requirements and check-ins, with no prior issues. His detention has deeply impacted his family and the broader community.
The event, hosted by the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen, aims to raise awareness about conditions at Delaney Hall, share information on how the public can help, and stand in solidarity with Mr. Kalkan and his loved ones. Faith and community leaders will speak about the human impact of ICE’s detentions.
Speakers:
- Congressman Frank Pallone
- Metuchen Mayor Jonathan Busch
- Pastor Fred Garry (First Presbyterian)
- Jennifer Poandl & Family (spouse of Sener Kalkan)
- Pax Christi Kathy O’Leary
- ACLU-NJ – Ami Kachalia
- Metuchen Interfaith Clergy Association
- Imam Bilal Khan of Masjid Quba’a in Carteret, NJ
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“At its core, this is about human dignity. No family should live in fear or uncertainty because of arbitrary detention practices that disregard due process and compassion. CAIR-NJ stands with the Kalkan family and all those calling for an immigration system rooted in justice, mercy, and basic human decency.”
“It is moving and powerful to see all those standing up for Mr. Kalkan and his family. God bless their efforts. We pray for his release and reunification with his loved ones.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director, Selaedin Maksut, smaksut@cair.com, 862-264-9414