The Council on American-Islamic Relations Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter (CAIR-Texas DFW) and CAIR Action Texas joins Muslim Legal Fund Association (MLFA), Muslim American Society of Dallas (MAS Dallas), Palestinian Youth Movement Dallas Chapter (PYM Dallas), Islamic Circle of North America Council on Social Justice (ICNA CSJ) and Dallas Community in condemning the unlawful detention of Ya’kub Ira Vijandre by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Ya’kub, a young man protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, was reportedly arrested by ICE agents outside his home early Tuesday morning. DACA recipients are protected from arrest, detention, or deportation by ICE while their deferred action remains valid. ICE’s unlawful arrest and detention of Ya’kub are a reckless disregard for both the law and the human dignity of those it is sworn to respect.  

ICE’s conduct continues to undermine both the integrity of the legal system and the trust of immigrant communities across the country. 

Like hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients, Ya’kub contributes to his community. He is a beloved videographer, storyteller, and advocate who has long worked to uplift others—documenting rallies and amplifying the voices of those too often silenced or overlooked. To detain him is to trample on justice itself. ICE’s actions are not only unlawful, but also a disturbing abuse of power and a direct violation of his rights. 

The community is united in its outrage. They stand firm in reaffirming that the rights of immigrants are not negotiable. Ya’kub’s detention is illegal, immoral, and indefensible. They demand his immediate release and an end to the pattern of intimidation targeting immigrant families. 

A coalition of attorneys and advocates is working tirelessly to secure Ya’kub’s release and ensure his rights are protected. They will continue to share updates and concrete ways to take action in the coming days. Until then, the coalition asks the community to hold Ya’kub and his family in their prayers. Organizations can sign onto our statement of support here.

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.

CAIR Action Texas is an affiliate of CAIR Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. Its 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 its work, CAIR Action Texas seeks to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic society where the rights and voices of Muslims are acknowledged and respected.

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CONTACT: CAIR-Texas DFW Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll, 469-200-0273, mcarroll@gmail.com;  ICNA CSJ Coordinator Omar Khattab, omar.khattab@icnacsj.org; PYM Dallas Organizer Niveen Bawab, pymdallas@gmail.com; 

Mohammed Ayachi, 469-684-2598