Yesterday, a group of Muslim leaders from diverse backgrounds, including CAIR-Chicago staff, met with representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The meeting was held at CAIR-Chicago's downtown Azima Center and focused on civil rights issues related to travel for the Muslim community. Specifically, they discussed ensuring justice and harmony when traveling to and from the United States. Representatives from the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Transportation Security offices were present.

Attendees included Jennifer Atala, Senior Policy Advisor from the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Office, as well as representatives from organizations such as the Chicago Dawoodi Bohra Community, Illinois Muslim Coalition, MedGlobal, Illinois Immigration Coalition, Orland Park Prayer Center, Latino Policy Forum, NIJC, Downtown Islamic Center, American Association for Budget and Program Analysis, CAIR-Chicago, and Syrian Community Network.

As part of a planned initiative, congressional leaders and elected officials are hosting a series of community roundtable discussions to improve understanding and collaboration between public servants and Muslim communities. The upcoming meeting is one of these discussions.