They attacked my religion, my faith': Muslim photojournalist detained by ICE speaks out

"Ya'akub Vijandre, a Muslim photojournalist, martial arts teacher and first responder who ICE detained in October for posting on social media, told the Guardian that the government is attacking my faith and that he was concerned about the safety of his family and friends. Speaking in his first interview from Georgia's Folkston detention center, the 38-year-old said guards treat detainees like animals, yelling at them when they don't understand English."

"Vijandre was picked up by ICE in Arlington, Texas on 7 October applied for asylum on 19 November and had his Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Daca) status revoked on 2 December. His detention and loss of lawful permission to remain in the US are based on social media posts the federal government links to terrorism. Vijandre and his legal defense team assert his posts were constitutionally protected speech that is being targeted due to Vijandre's Muslim faith."

"The recently expanded facility had a total average population of about 1,650 in early November, according to Trac, an immigration data project at Syracuse University. Vijandre's legal team is also trying to get him released from detention while his immigration case is resolved, filing its latest motion in a habeas corpus case late Monday. Habeas corpus is a legal tool that gives a detained person the right to seek a judge's ruling on whether their detention is unlawful."

Ya'akub Vijandre, a 38-year-old Muslim photojournalist, martial arts teacher and first responder, was detained by ICE in Arlington, Texas on 7 October over social-media posts the government links to terrorism. His DACA status, valid through May 2026, was revoked on 2 December; he applied for asylum on 19 November. He alleges faith-based targeting and reports abusive treatment at Georgia's Folkston detention center, including guards yelling at detainees and denying bathroom requests. His legal team argues the posts constitute protected speech and has filed habeas corpus motions seeking his release while his immigration case proceeds.

Read at www.theguardian.com