CAIR - Philadelphia Chapter

ED Ahmet Tekelioglu delivering testimony before Philadelphia City Council on the civil rights implications of intensified federal immigration enforcement and its impact on Muslim communities across our city.

Drawing on decades of documented surveillance and profiling, the testimony underscored how Black and immigrant Muslim communities have long been subjected to disproportionate scrutiny—from the targeting of Black Muslim leaders during the civil rights era to post-9/11 programs involving informants, mosque monitoring, and unchecked intelligence gathering. These patterns continue to shape present-day fears around enforcement and access to public life.

The testimony also highlighted how gaps in data governance and information-sharing can place vulnerable communities at risk and further erode trust in public institutions.

We are proud to share that ICE Out legislation passed with a unanimous vote. This marks an important step toward strengthening protections, establishing clearer accountability, and ensuring that all residents can safely access city services without fear.