Groups Seek End to Religious Questioning At The Border by Federal Agents

ACLU & Muslim Advocates Urge DHS Internal Watchdog to Intervene & Stop Interrogations Of Innocent American Travelers Perceived To Be Muslim

(WASHINGTON, DC) -- December 16, 2010 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents are questioning innocent Americans who are perceived to be Muslim about their religion and their political beliefs without any suspicion that they have done anything wrong, according to a letter the American Civil Liberties Union and Muslim Advocates sent to the top, internal watchdog at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today.

The ACLU and Muslim Advocates sent the letter on behalf of five individuals who have been questioned about their religious and political beliefs, associations and religious practices and charitable giving when returning to the United States from abroad. The letter asks the DHS inspector general to investigate CBP's treatment of the individuals and whether other travelers are being subjected to similar treatment.

The letter and FOIA requests are available online at: www.aclu.org/national-security-racial-justice/questioning-and-searches-border.

Download the full press release or visit the Muslim Advocates Press Room.