The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a long-standing history of engagement with diverse ethnic and faith-based communities, including Muslim communities. In recognition of Ramadan, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas joined a virtual roundtable discussion with leaders within the Muslim community, including national and local advocacy and social service organizations. The event was hosted by the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) and featured remarks by both Secretary Mayorkas and CRCL Officer Katherine Culliton-González, along with DHS Senior Counselor Kamal Essaheb and CRCL Senior Advisor Brenda Abdelall. This virtual engagement was held in place of the annual Iftar reception hosted by the Department, a tradition which began in 2011.
Secretary Mayorkas acknowledged the leaders participating in the event and their organizations for the critical work they do in communities, particularly to ensure that new U.S. citizens have access to critical services. He noted his concern with the rise in domestic violent extremism and hate incidents that target the Muslim community. Secretary Mayorkas also recognized that many Muslims serve at DHS and across the federal government and thanked them for their service.
DHS has a long-standing history of engagement with diverse ethnic and faith-based communities, including Muslim communities. And on his first day in office, President Biden issued the “Proclamation on Ending Discriminatory Bans on Entry to the United States” to reverse the cruel “Muslim Ban” implemented by the prior Administration and other harmful policies that impacted the Muslim community. CRCL leads the Department’s community engagement efforts by hosting regular meetings in 18 cities across the country that include community leaders, federal, state, and local government officials, and all levels of law enforcement. These roundtables facilitate important dialogue with diverse American communities who feel their civil rights may be affected by DHS activities and programs.
While Ramadan ends today, DHS’s engagement with the Muslim communities will continue. In carrying out the DHS mission to protect our homeland, DHS will continue to protect the diverse communities that make up the fabric of America.
Learn more about the Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.