DALLAS, TX — Marwan Marouf, a prominent leader in the North Texas Muslim community, was unexpectedly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Monday as he dropped off his son at school. The Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), which has represented Marouf for over six years, condemned the arrest and revealed that Marouf’s green card application was denied on the same day.
Marouf, who arrived in the United States more than 30 years ago as an international student, has been an active community figure in Dallas. He serves as the Public Relations and Fundraising Director for the Muslim American Society (MAS) Dallas chapter and has volunteered extensively, including founding the largest Boy Scout troop in North Dallas and participating in drug awareness and disaster relief initiatives.
Marouf’s oldest son, Mohammed, described the family’s shock at the sudden arrest, emphasizing his father’s decades of dedication to the community. “My dad has given his heart, his soul, his time, his everything for this community,” Mohammed said.
The MLFA highlighted that Marouf’s green card application was initially supported by his employer for 15 years, but was ultimately denied by USCIS based on outdated and recycled objections to his charitable work. The organization is preparing to challenge the ruling in immigration and federal courts.
Imam Omar Suleiman, founder of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, criticized the detention as a tactic of intimidation targeting a pillar of the community.
Marouf is currently held at the Bluebonnet Detention Facility in Anson, Texas, approximately three hours from Dallas. Community members gathered at the MAS Dallas chapter in Richardson on Tuesday night to show support and discuss next steps in Marouf’s defense.
The Muslim American Society expressed that Marouf’s arrest is not just a loss to his family, but a wound to the entire Dallas community.
NBC 5 has requested a statement from ICE regarding the detention.
