‘Smokescreen’
A coalition of organisations, including CAIR, the US Council of Muslim Organizations, American Muslims for Palestine, and others, issued a joint statement condemning the “abduction,” saying Sarsour was being targeted on the basis of his Palestinian and Muslim background.
They dismissed the allegations against him as a “smokescreen” to silence his advocacy.
The coalition drew parallels with the cases of Mahmoud Khalil, Leqaa Kordia, and Mohsen Mahdawi, accusing the US of using the justice system to suppress voices critical of Israeli policies “at a time when it is carrying out a genocide in Gaza.”
Since taking office last year, the second Trump administration has targeted pro-Palestinian figures, denying them visas to enter the US and seeking to deport them over their advocacy for a free Palestine.
The crackdown has faced judicial obstacles. Many of the protesters targeted for deportation have been freed from detention by court orders while their cases proceed. Judges have also blocked some of Trump’s attempts to freeze funds for universities.