(DETROIT, MI, 10/21/24) – On Tuesday, Oct. 22, CAIR Action and AMEEN Action, two Muslim
advocacy organizations, will hold a news conference in Dearborn, Michigan, to respond to the
forced removal of a Muslim community leader and former Democratic congressional candidate
(Michigan, District 11) from an invitation-only Kamala Harris campaign event.
TIME: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 11 AM ET
LOCATION: Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
CONTACT: [email protected], 202-430-6781
LIVESTREAM: https://www.facebook.com/CAIRAction
Ahmed Ghanim said he registered for the event at the Music Theater in Royal Oak, Michigan,
went through security for the event and was seated. Some 10-15 minutes after being seated,
Ghanim was reportedly asked to follow one of the organizers of the event. When they came to
the door of the theater, it was allegedly closed behind him and two secret service officers were
present while he was told he was being removed but was not told why. Ghanim was allegedly
threatened with arrest if he did not leave, which he did.
SEE: VIDEO OF INCIDENT
The officers reportedly told Ghanim the request for his removal came from campaign officials,
not from the Secret Service.
“As Donald Trump ramps up his outreach to the Muslim and Arab communities, the Harris
campaign removes, under threat of arrest, a Muslim community leader who merely responded
to an invitation,” said Basim Elkarra, Executive Director of CAIR Action. “This disturbing
action on the part of the Harris campaign sends a dangerous message of exclusion to the
Muslim community.”
In a statement, AMEEN Action said in part: “This is a critical moment for all Americans to
recognize that political participation and engagement must include all voices, especially those
that have been historically marginalized. Muslim Americans will not be silenced, and AMEEN
remains steadfast in its mission to ensure our voices are heard and respected on the national
stage.”
In 2020, Muslim voters turned out at historic levels, helping to shape the political landscape. In
2024, with key swing states hanging in the balance, CAIR Action’s GOTV initiative is dedicated
to ensuring that every eligible Muslim voter has the necessary tools and resources to cast their
vote and make their voices heard.
For more information about CAIR Action’s GOTV effort and how to get involved, visit:
https://cairaction.org/
About CAIR Action:
CAIR Action, is a leading American Muslim 501(c)4 organization, dedicated to enhancing the
civic engagement, political participation, and impact of the American Muslim community in local,
state, and federal elections.
Our vision is a future in which Muslims across the United States of America yield significant
political power to advance just policies at home and abroad.
Our mission is to engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters, train emerging leaders, and
champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim
communities. Through our work, we aim to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic
society where the rights and voices of Muslims are acknowledged and respected.
