North Texas Community Leader to Be Removed From the U.S. After DHS Denial
A North Texas Muslim community leader, Marwan Marouf, will be removed from the United States following federal immigration proceedings, according to the Muslim Legal Fund of America. Marouf has been in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody since September 22 and recently accepted a removal order.
DHS Cites Alleged Connections to Holy Land Foundation Case
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported that Marouf had been denied a lawful permanent resident visa due to alleged connections to the Holy Land Foundation case, a federal prosecution from the early 2000s. DHS stated that individuals pushing propaganda, supporting terrorist organizations, or conducting anti-American actions will face consequences.
DHS officials confirmed that Marouf will be deported to Jordan within two weeks. Marouf, a Palestinian born in Kuwait and raised in Jordan, originally entered the United States on a student visa in 1993.
Removal Order Accepted After ICE Detention
The Muslim Legal Fund of America reported that Marouf accepted the removal order after approximately 60 days in ICE detention. Attorneys said he did not testify at a November 20 hearing due to health concerns. The organization stated that the removal order followed a process in which Marouf faced allegations related to the Holy Land Foundation.
Attorneys representing Marouf acknowledged that he made donations to the organization but stated there was no indication at the time that the group would later be accused of prohibited activities.
Attorneys Continue to Dispute Federal Allegations
The Muslim Legal Fund of America previously described the federal case as factually unsupported and accused DHS of producing inaccurate narratives. The organization stated that the removal decision represents a loss for Marouf’s family and broader community. However, DHS has maintained its position regarding the allegations.
Federal authorities have not released additional details regarding the timeline leading to Marouf’s expected removal. Court actions related to the removal order remain part of the ongoing administrative process.