The arrest of Marwan Marouf, a 30-year Dallas resident and prominent Muslim American Society leader, has sparked widespread condemnation from Islamic organizations, interfaith groups, and civil rights advocates across Texas, who denounce the September 22 detention as part of a systematic targeting of Muslim community leaders.
Marwan Marouf, who served as public relations and fundraising director for the Muslim American Society-Dallas, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents immediately after dropping his son at school on September 22, according to the Muslim Legal Fund of America. The arrest has galvanized Texas Muslim communities, who describe the detention as an attack on their leadership and an attempt to intimidate religious organizations.
The timing of Marouf’s arrest coincided with the denial of his green card application, which his legal representatives say was based on “recycled opinions from over a decade ago” that ignored current facts supporting his permanent residency eligibility. ICE agents handed him the denial notice on the same day as his detention, a move his advocates characterize as deliberately orchestrated.
“Heart of Our Community” Torn Away
“ICE took the heart of our community. I’ve known Marwan for over a decade, and he’s been there for everyone in his life with unmatched grace.”
— Imam Omar Suleiman, prominent Dallas faith leader
Imam Omar Suleiman, a well-known Dallas religious leader and longtime friend of Marouf, issued an emotional defense on Instagram, describing how Marouf “managed meal trains to hospitals and shelters during COVID-19 and winter storms” and emphasizing his decades of community service. Suleiman declared, “You better believe we’re going to fight for him with everything we’ve got, because that’s what he’d do for every one of us”.
The Muslim American Society-Dallas released an immediate statement characterizing the arrest as part of “a larger trend targeting Muslim, Palestinian, and immigrant communities”. The organization emphasized that “this injustice should inspire our collective resolve to advocate, educate, and unite in solidarity for justice, human dignity, and safety in our communities”.
Community members gathered for special prayers at MAS Dallas in Richardson on Tuesday evening, despite the typically scheduled service not taking place that night. The impromptu gathering demonstrated the profound impact of Marouf’s detention on the local Muslim community, with attendees describing their shock and determination to support his family.
Statewide Islamic Organizations Unite in Condemnation
The North Texas Islamic Council issued a formal press release expressing “full solidarity with Mr. Marwan Marouf, a highly respected community leader and integral member of the North Texas Muslim community”. NTIC President Mujeeb Kazi confirmed the organization immediately convened emergency meetings with legal counsel, interfaith partners, and civic leaders upon learning of the arrest.
“We respectfully urge community members and the public to honor the family’s privacy and refrain from speculation or sharing unverified information until official updates are provided.”
— North Texas Islamic Council statement
The Council on American-Islamic Relations Texas chapter expressed “extreme worry” about Marouf’s situation, emphasizing his “respected position within both Muslim and non-Muslim circles throughout Texas”. CAIR representatives described him as “a dedicated family man who has continuously participated in peaceful civic and charitable activities, making significant contributions to our nation”.
CAIR National issued its own statement Wednesday morning, calling Marouf “a father, volunteer, and cornerstone of Dallas’s Muslim community” who was “abruptly detained by ICE this week after over 30 years in the U.S.”. The organization emphasized that “no one should face targeting due to their faith-based activism or charitable endeavors”.
Community Service Record Under Federal Scrutiny
According to the Muslim Legal Fund of America, Marouf arrived in the United States over three decades ago as an international student and has since established extensive community ties. His employer sponsored applications for temporary work visas and permanent residency for 15 years before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services began questioning his charitable activities.
The legal organization detailed Marouf’s contributions, stating he was “instrumental in founding the largest Boy Scout troop in North Dallas, actively engaged in numerous drug awareness campaigns aimed at educating youth about the hazards of drug use, regularly volunteers with the Red Cross, and is a Certified First Responder”.
His son spoke emotionally about his father’s dedication, telling reporters: “My dad has given his heart, his soul, and his time, is everything for the last 30 years for this community and not just the Dallas Muslim community, but the Dallas community as a whole”.
Legal Battle Intensifies Amid Enforcement Surge
The Muslim Legal Fund of America, which has represented Marouf for over six years, has announced plans to challenge both his detention and the denial of his green card in immigration and federal courts. The organization argues that the denial was based on outdated information and failed to consider evidence supporting his eligibility.
“This lack of fundamental fairness is an injustice that MLFA seeks to correct.”
— Muslim Legal Fund of America statement
The case unfolds during a period of intensified immigration enforcement under President Trump’s administration, which has pledged to conduct the most considerable mass deportation effort in U.S. history. Both undocumented individuals and those with valid documentation have faced detention, with reports emerging of people being arrested during mandatory immigration interviews.
ICE data shows Marouf is being held at the Blue Bonnet Detention Center, located three hours from Dallas. The facility’s distance from his family and community has added to concerns about the punitive nature of his detention.
Calls for Strategic Community Response
Both MAS Dallas and the North Texas Islamic Council have urged community members to channel their emotions constructively while respecting the family’s privacy. MAS Dallas called upon supporters to “keep Marwan, his family, and our community in your prayers (du’ā)” while promising to coordinate assistance efforts.
The organizations emphasized the importance of “offer[ing] emotional and spiritual support to one another, especially to those who may feel concerned or vulnerable in light of this situation”. NTIC established coordination with legal counsel and coalition partners to monitor the situation and provide ongoing assistance.
As Marouf’s case progresses through the courts, Texas Muslim leaders view it as a critical test of legal protections for lawfully present immigrants and their community’s capacity to defend its leadership. The widespread condemnation and coordinated response reflect the growing sophistication of Muslim American civil rights advocacy in confronting what advocates characterize as systematic targeting of their religious and community leaders.
