- Local Richardson community leader, Marwan Marouf was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on September 22, 2025.- Monday, October 6, 2025, members of the Muslim community came before the Richardson City Council pleading for them to make a statement in support of Marouf.- Marwan Marouf has been detained over 200 miles away from Richardson at the Bluebonnet Detention Center located in Anson, Tx.- Public Comments given on 10/6/2025 asked for Marouf to be allowed to fight his immigration case at home, rather than in the detention center._______________________________The agenda posted for the 10/6/2025, Richardson City Council Work Session read as any other typical Monday night meeting. The Council was set to review and discuss: the Richardson Independent School District’s 2025 Bond program, investment policy, boards and commissions process, and the “Possible 2026 Bond Program”. But upon pulling into the City Hall parking lot, an increased amount of cars, both civilian and Richardson Police Department vehicles indicated this meeting would be different.The Council Chamber was packed. While Muslim community members filled the majority of seats in the public section, others literally and figuratively stood up for Marwan Marouf in the overfill area of the Chamber.Twelve of the public comments were given on behalf of Marouf. They shared his story, his commitment to the community, and detailed his detainment.Marium Uddin, the Legal Director of Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), a legal representative of Marouf, and a former U.S. Immigration Judge, was one of these speakers.In her comments, Uddin stated that on that same day (10/6/2025) Immigration Judge Abdias Tida determined that he did not have the authority to grant bond for Marouf. Uddin explained bond is intended to ensure that individuals who pose no danger and no flight risk can return to their homes while their cases proceed. “That’s exactly who Marwan is and yet he remains detained”, said Uddin.Uddin also spoke about Marouf’s heart condition, Brugada Syndrome. Uddin said it is a, “rare but potentially life threatening heart condition, characterized by abnormal heart rhythms which can lead to sudden cardiac death. Marwan’s health is precarious, and his medical condition leaves him uniquely vulnerable.”According to the Muslim Legal Fund of America’s website: -Marwan Marouf entered the U.S. lawfully in August of 1991 as an international student and earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.-Post eduction, Marouf transitioned to a specialty - occupation visa as he worked in the U.S. -MLFA’s website states, “His employer later sponsored him for permanent residence, and Marwan has consistently followed the strict legal process by applying for adjustment of status through Form I-485. Yet despite his decades of lawful presence and compliance, USCIS has continued to issue baseless accusations and unfounded conclusions to deny him a green card.”- According to the MLFA’s website, on September 22, 2025 after dropping his youngest son off at school and heading to work, Marouf was surrounded and detained by ICE agents. On that same day, ICE served him the denial letter for his green card application. The MLFA website states, the denial mirrored a, “decade-old denial letter making baseless accusations that Marwan once provided ‘material support’ to the Holy Land Foundation (HLF).”According to the MLFA website, USCIS questioned Marouf about donations and volunteer work with HLF. The website says that Marouf provided detailed evidence; “This volunteer work included ordering pizza and hiring a clown to entertain children while their parents attended HLF fundraising events. Marwan’s donations included sponsorship of an orphan in Palestine.”WFAA reported Marouf’s story on 9/23/2025. Their story shared information about his work with the Muslim American Society of Dallas and some of Marouf’s volunteerism including:helping to establish the largest Boy Scout troop in the Circle 10 DistrictPromoting drug awareness campaigns for youthVolunteering with the Red CrossBecame a Certified Disaster Relief First ResponderAnother public comment was given on Monday night (10/6/2025) by Ayman Taleb. Taleb, who said he is now in his 40s, spoke of Marwan as a mentor for himself and the other youth in his community. Taleb said, “He taught my generation of American Muslims to be good citizens and that had an immeasurable effect on us in a world where ordinary muslims were guilty by suspicion. Marwan taught us youngsters to be proud of our faith, and be good citizens who contributed positively to our society. He was instrumental in steering young Muslims, angry at the targeting of our community from extremism, and instead, become model American Muslim citizens.”Marwan Marouf’s community activism earned him a city proclamation. On February 26, 2024 former Mayor Bob Dubey, on behalf of the City of Richardson and the City Council read the proclamation during their council meeting. It reads: “Where as, in the face of unprecedented challenges brought about by the global Covid-19 pandemic, the resilient and compassionate spirit of the Muslim community in Richardson and across North Texas shown brightly.And where as, Under the inspirational leadership of Marwan Marouf, the Public Relations Director of the Muslim American Society Islamic Center in Richardson, and with the collaboration of more than 20 local relief organizations and Islamic institutions including NTX, Muslim Giving, Islamic Association of NorthTexas, and Muslim American Society, the community rose to the occasion.And where as, the Muslim community in a demonstration of solidarity and goodwill initiated a remarkable effort to provide support and nourishment to those on the front line of the battle against the pandemic.And where as, This commemorable initiative included the delivery of over 100,000 hot meals to dedicated frontline workers and institutions such as the Richardson Methodist Hospital, Richardson Police Department, Richardson Wastewater Management team, Richardson Independent School District, and more than 10 hospitals in North Texas.And where as, the benevolent efforts extended beyond institutional boundaries to touch the lives of City of Richardson employees and staff across all departments and facilities, ensuring their wellbeing during these challenging times.And where as, this selfless commitment to community wellbeing also embraced recent refugees, the homeless population in Dallas and Forth Worth, and extended further to those in need beyond city borders.Now therefore, I, Bob Dubey, Mayor of the City of Richardson, Texas do herby proclaim our heartfelt appreciation to Marwan Marouf and the Muslim community in the city of Richardson and express our sincere gratitude to all those involved in this noble endeavor for their unwavering dedication and service to the community during these challenging times. Given under my hand and seal of office this 19th day of February, 2024.”Richardson City Manager, Don Magner gave a statement during the Monday night meeting (10/6/2025). He said, “I wanted to acknowledge and thank everyone who’s in attendance tonight. On behalf of the City Council, as I mentioned earlier, the Texas open meeting act does prohibit the council from making any comments in response to anything that’s not officially posted on the agenda.But, if you allow me Mayor, I would like to share something I know is a sentiment that not only the Council but our whole city staff would like to share with those in attendance tonight.First, let me note that the City of Richardson is deeply committed to ensuring that every person is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion, and to maintaining a community that is safe and secure for all. Our municipal team stands firm in our dedication to justice, peace, and service, and we strive each and every day to be the best public servants for the people that we serve.I wanted to let you know that the Richardson Police Department does not have nor is it seeking the authority to enforce US immigration laws. That’s not what they’re about. RPD’s focus remains on upholding the laws of the State of Texas, and the ordinances of the city of Richardson ensuring due process and adherence to the rule of law for all.The city firmly believes in protecting the fundamental rights, the security and the dignity of every individual. The city council expects all staff to uphold these values in every aspect of their work and, as Manager, I expect and am fully committed to ensuring that we honor these principles in all that we do as a city team.I do want to reiterate in closing that the Richardson Police Department was not involved in the matter that many of you are here to discuss tonight, nor did the city of Richardson have any participation or a role in that situation. Again, I want to thank you for being here tonight.”Earlier in that 10/6/25 meeting, during her concluding remarks of her public comment, Marium Uddin said, “We know all too well that lawyers and courts are not always enough any longer to stand against injustice. There must be an allyship between the law and our policy makers, those who like you wield connection and power to broker change. Remember that this case is bigger than one man, even if that man is a giant among us. This case is about whether or not in America, which belongs to us all, and one in which Marwan has so lovingly served, will reclaim the better angels of her nature and live up to her promise of liberty and justice for all. We need you to be among those better angels.”***The Richardson Independent reached out via email to the Richardson Mayor and Council on 10/7/2025 asking, “Will you, the City Council, be making a public statement on behalf of Marwan Marouf? Should the public be looking to hear from you on this matter?” After the Council Meeting on Monday 10/13/2025, Mayor Pro Tem Ken Hutchenrider came over to speak to me. Hutchenrider respectfully asked if the Mayor or City Manager had responded to my email as they are the ones who typically answer such questions. I responded to him then, and it is still true as of the publishing of this article (10/15/2025), there has been no response. ***____KERA News reported on 10/7/2025, “The MLFA has already reserved an appeal and plans to exercise all legal available remedies.”___________On the fundraising platform Launch Good, MLFA has organized a page dedicated to Marouf. It states, “ICE agents followed Marwan after he dropped his son at school and detained him without explanation. For two agonizing days, his family and friends didn’t know where he was, until he was located at Bluebonnet Detention Center, a facility notorious for its harsh conditions. Marwan has met this ordeal with deep faith and courage. Knowing that his community has rallied for him has strengthened his resolve to fight the government’s baseless claims and unjust attempts to deny him lawful permanent residency.”As of the writing of this article (10/15/2025) $105,196 has been raised on Launch Good in support of Marwan Marouf.