Press Release from CAIR-WA

Breaking: (Seattle, WA, 1/5/20) – CAIR Washington is assisting more than 60 Iranians and Iranian-Americans of all ages who were detained at length and questioned at the Peace Arch Border Crossing in Blaine, Wash.

Those detained reported that their passports were confiscated and they were questioned about their political views and allegiances. CBP officials contacted at the Blaine Port of Entry provided no comment or reasons for the detentions.

Masih Fouladi, executive director of CAIR-WA. “We are working to verify reports of a broad nationwide directive to detain Iranian-Americans at ports of entry so that we can provide community members with accurate travel guidance. We will continue to update the community and other civil rights organizations as we obtain more information.”
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Next Steps:
• If you or your family is being impacted by these operations, you can call the hotline at 1-844-724-3737 so we can connect you to the organizations and support.
• Organizational reps are currently working at the locations reported to assist directly impacted families.
• A coalition is organizing an united organized form of support. CAIR will share how we can support as developments unfold.

The "Know Your Rights with Law Enforcement" document put together by Council on American-Islamic Relations. Also offered in English, Arabic, Bengali, Bosnian, Farsi, Somali, and Urdu. Alternate versions available for specific situations.

CONTACT: 
CAIR-WA Executive Director Masih Fouladi, 714-801-0349; CAIR-WA Communications Coordinator Jessica Schreindl, jschreindl@cair.com, 206.367.4081