(SEATTLE, WA, 1/15/2026) – 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 celebrates the release of a Palestinian asylum seeker from immigration detention, decided in a bond hearing yesterday.
On December 26, 2025, a Palestinian asylum seeker was abducted by ICE in Auburn. He was driving when he was stopped by multiple vehicles with immigration agents in them. This man entered the U.S. on a valid visa and has a pending asylum claim which gives him permission to remain in the US while his case is processing. He has a wife and two young children, including an infant who is three months old.
CAIR-WA, which was already representing this gentleman in his immigration case, stepped in and has been in close communication with the client and his family. CAIR-WA filed for him to be released on bond. The bond hearing yesterday resulted in the immigration judge granting him release, and he is now home with his family.
Imraan Siddiqi, Executive Director of CAIR-WA, said:
“We are very pleased to hear this positive news for a family who were needlessly traumatized by this administration’s overreaching immigration tactics. A father of a newborn was ripped apart from his family, leaving them vulnerable and uncertain about their future. Our amazing legal and advocacy teams worked through the holidays alongside many unsung local activists who mobilized to ensure the family was supported. This is truly proof of the saying: ‘When we fight, we win.’”
Sabrene Odeh, Outreach and Advocacy Manager at CAIR-WA, said:
“This case has been heartbreaking from the moment I got the call that a community member had been taken by ICE. Our client has been the rock of his family as they have faced hardship, attempted to create a life from scratch here in the U.S., and welcomed a beautiful baby boy only two months before he was kidnapped by ICE. He is a beloved community member, who is described by those close to him as the first to help anyone who needs it, even as he himself has struggled to start his new chapter here.”
Hannah Vickner Hough, Legal Director at CAIR-WA, said:
“Our client was arrested in an overtly aggressive way. These immigration enforcement agents are targeting asylum seekers who arrived on valid visas and processing through the lawful pathways. CAIR-WA is pushing back to ensure that people can receive due process and have their cases heard.”
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.
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>CONTACT: Katie Walker, Communications Director at CAIR-WA, kwalker@cair.com; Imraan Siddiqi, Executive Director at CAIR-WA, imraansiddiqi@cair.com