CAIR-WA Praises Decision to Release Muslim Community Member from ICE Detention
(SEATTLE, WA, 12/22/2025) – The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today praised U.S. District Court Judge David G Estudillo for releasing prominent Muslim community member and veteran Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry from immigration detention.
Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry was taken into ICE detention on August 21, 2025, at a citizenship interview at the USCIS office in Tukwila, Washington. He has been held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center since then, separated from his wife and two young children. During a habeas hearing today, December 22, Judge Estudillo said he’s ordering Mr. Chaudhry freed from ICE detention in Tacoma, to be released the same day.
SEE: ICE Arrests US Army Veteran, Husband of Former Congressional Candidate
Imraan Siddiqi, Executive Director at CAIR-WA, said in a statement:
“In a time of grave injustice, today’s news provided much needed hope to our community. We applaud the court’s decision, and hope that this is only the first step in ensuring Zahid is freed permanently.”
“The US Attorney herself apologized directly to the Court and to my husband, for wrongly detaining him. This was a clear instance of standing up to a bully, and we won. Zahid will be released today. This should never have happened, and they admitted it. My family will be whole again. My children will have their Baba home. And our communities will be richer and stronger by his presence – and more confident, and more courageous, because of this win. Today is proof that the rule of law still matters and that justice can prevail. When we fight, we win.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.