February 15, 2019
“From the moment he announced his candidacy for president, Donald Trump has spewed hatred and lies in an attempt to demonize minorities, immigrants and asylum seekers.”

In response to today’s declaration of a state of emergency by President Donald Trump, executive directors of the offices that comprise the Council on American Islamic Relations, California chapter (CAIR-CA), issued the following statements:

CAIR-San Francisco Bay Area (CAIR-SFBA) Executive Director Zahra Billoo said:

“From the moment he announced his candidacy for president, Donald Trump has spewed hatred and lies in an attempt to demonize minorities, immigrants and asylum seekers. His actions today show his continued disregard for facts about immigration and security at our southern border. We call for Mr. Trump to end the humanitarian crisis that he has created.”

CAIR-Sacramento Valley (CAIR-SV) Executive Director Basim Elkarra said:

“This is just another attempt by Donald Trump to force the construction of an unpopular, wasteful and useless border wall. After holding the nation hostage for weeks and constantly spreading falsehoods in an attempt to expand his xenophobic policy, this is an act of desperation to get his way. These cruel and bigoted immigration policies and actions separate families and do nothing to protect U.S. citizens.”

CAIR-Greater Los Angeles Area (CAIR-LA) Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:

“It is not surprising that Trump would use any avenue possible to progress his agenda of bigotry and hatred, especially toward migrants and asylum seekers. The methods in which he has directed his minions to treat migrants and asylum seekers is not what America stands for. We stand in solidarity with those asking to be treated with dignity and respect from an administration that has shown none.”

CAIR-San Diego (CAIR-SD) Executive Director Mustafa Dustin Craun said:

“As communities who live in the borderlands in the San Diego – Tijuana area we need love and understanding and not walls. As Muslims our prayers, our lives, our families, and our faith live beyond borders. At a time when we need humane immigration policies we instead are building walls to keep out those seeking peace and asylum. We must remember in our faith traditions the majority of Prophets were refugees and called us to serve refugees and those most in need.”