The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today released a community advisory addressing recent immigration-related announcements made by the Trump administration following the tragic shooting of two members of the National Guard last week.
“While we were all horrified by this senseless, tragic shooting, it is unacceptable for the Trump administration to assign collective blame to an entire community,” said Imraan Siddiqi, CAIR-WA’s Executive Director. “This playbook of scapegoating immigrants has been repeated throughout history, and we must ensure that we stand up for the communities and families who are being targeted by blanket crackdowns.”
In the community advisory, CAIR-WA reassures the Muslim community in Washington state that, though disturbing, public statements and proposals do not have legal force until they are implemented through official policy or regulatory action. CAIR-WA urges community members to reach out to CAIR-WA at (206) 367-4081 or cairwa.org/gethelp if they are contacted by the FBI, concerned about their immigration case, or experience hate or discrimination.
Prior to the events of this past week, Islamophobia has been on the rise nationally and locally, with the Texas Governor accusing CAIR National of being a “terrorist organization,” and a Spokane Valley councilmember stating that she is a “proud Islamophobe,” among other inflammatory rhetoric.
A 2024 survey of Muslims in Washington showed that 82% of respondents had experienced discrimination or hate in the past year, and earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report, Unconstitutional Crackdowns, which reveals that Islamophobia remains at record-high levels nationwide.
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-WA Communications Director Katie Walker, kwalker@cair.com
CAIR-WA Executive Director Imraan Siddiqi, imraansiddiqi@cair.com