IMAM REFUSED TO BE FBI INFORMANT, NOW FACES DEPORTATION BY ICE
MIAMI - Foad Farahi, a 50-year-old Sunni imam, has been locked up in a New Mexico detention center for over two months after being taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on June 10. The move is the latest development in a long-standing dispute between Farahi and U.S. authorities.
According to sources close to the matter, Farahi was initially detained at a Miami facility before being transferred to Texas and then New Mexico's Torrance County Detention Center. "We're concerned about the conditions he's facing," said a spokesperson for the Muslim Legal Fund of America, which has been advocating on behalf of Farahi.
Farahi's troubles began nearly 20 years ago when he was approached by U.S. officials to serve as an FBI informant. However, he refused, citing concerns over his faith and loyalty to his community. "He felt that being an informant would compromise his integrity and potentially put his congregation at risk," said a friend of Farahi's.
The incident occurred during the final years of President George W. Bush's administration, when the U.S. government was increasing its efforts to monitor and gather intelligence on Muslim communities. While some have criticized Farahi for not cooperating with authorities, others argue that he was simply exercising his right to refuse.
Under the Trump administration, the threat of deportation has become more pronounced. Since January, thousands of immigrants have been swept up by ICE, sparking widespread criticism from advocacy groups and lawmakers. "The current administration's policies are a clear overreach," said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), who represents Farahi's district.
Farahi's case is seen as emblematic of the broader issues surrounding immigration and national security policy. While some argue that his refusal to cooperate with authorities was a legitimate exercise of free will, others see it as a failure to comply with U.S. law.
As for Farahi, he remains in detention at Torrance County Detention Center, awaiting a decision on his deportation status. His lawyer has filed a motion to have him released pending further review, but so far, no ruling has been made.
The case is expected to continue unfolding in the coming weeks and months as advocates push for greater transparency and reform of U.S. immigration policies.
*Reporting by Theintercept.*
