ICE Targets Muslim Brotherhood Network in Dallas

The recent detention of Marwan Marouf by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has thrust longstanding concerns about Islamist networks in the United States back into the spotlight. Marouf, a prominent figure in the Dallas chapter of the Muslim American Society (MAS), was taken into custody on September 23, 2025, following the denial of his green card application. This development highlights his family connections to the Elashi brothers, convicted in high-profile terrorism-financing cases, and points to the rising influence of the Muslim Brotherhood in American communities, as reported by RAIR Foundation, USA.

The Detention and Immediate Fallout

Marouf, who entered the U.S. over 30 years ago as an international student, had been seeking permanent residency through his employer for more than a decade. His applications faced repeated delays due to federal reviews of his affiliations with charitable and organizational groups. On the day of his detention, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officially rejected his petition, citing earlier red flags from over a decade prior.

The arrest prompted swift reactions from advocacy organizations. The Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA) issued a statement describing the event as "shocking, disturbing, and unjust," and positioned Marouf as targeted for "speaking truth to power" and "advocating for Palestine." MLFA called for community mobilization, promising to form a legal team and requesting "fierce and vocal support" at appropriate times.

Omar Suleiman, founder of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research and a key Texas imam, publicly defended Marouf, calling him the "heart of our community" and accusing ICE of "abducting" him. Suleiman, who described their friendship as spanning over 30 years, pledged to rally support. That evening, MAS Dallas hosted a rally titled "Grounding – Spiritual Night: Come Together for Marwan Maroof" at its facility, a former church. Attendees were advised not to speak to the press and to use designated hashtags, with inquiries directed to MAS's media team.

The event featured Suleiman and Ustadh Mohamad Baajour, senior imam at the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), which is under state investigation. Baajour portrayed Marouf's detention as a divine "test," quoting Quranic verses and framing his work in dawah (Islamic outreach) as preparation for this challenge. Suleiman urged viewing Marouf as a "political prisoner" and referenced past cases like the Holy Land Foundation and Aafia Siddiqui, suggesting a pattern of persecution against Muslim activists.

Family Connections to Terrorism-Financing Convictions

Marouf's case gains added significance through his family links to the Elashi family, central to two major federal prosecutions. He is the brother-in-law of Bayan Elashi, one of five brothers convicted in the 2004-2005 Infocom case. During those arrests, Marouf served as a family spokesman, telling reporters the Elashis were unfairly targeted.

The Infocom trial involved charges of illegal computer exports to Libya and Syria, money laundering, and conspiracy with Mousa Abu Marzook, Hamas's political bureau chief and a relative by marriage. U.S. Attorney Richard Roper emphasized at sentencing that violations involving terrorist organizations would lead to prosecution. Sentences included 84 months for Bayan, 80 months each for Ghassan and Basman, 66 months for Hazim, and 72 months for Ihsan, with Infocom placed on probation.

Ghassan Elashi, already convicted in Infocom, was also chairman of the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development (HLF). In 2008, he and four others were convicted on 108 counts for funneling $12.4 million to Hamas disguised as charity, in the largest terrorism-financing trial in U.S. history. Sentences ranged from 15 to 65 years, with appeals unsuccessful.

These convictions have been contested by groups like MLFA, CAIR, and American Muslims for Palestine, who describe the "Holy Land Five" as "humanitarians" and "political prisoners." Suleiman has labeled the case "one of the most shameful episodes in U.S. history," while politicians like Zohran Mamdani echo similar sentiments.

The Muslim American Society's Background and Ties

MAS, founded in 1992, describes itself as a nonprofit focused on charity, culture, and education. However, investigations and statements have linked it to the Muslim Brotherhood. In 2004, MAS Secretary General Shaker Elsayed stated that Brotherhood members founded MAS, estimating half its active members were affiliated. A Chicago Tribune report that year confirmed Brotherhood involvement, naming leaders like Ahmad Elkadi and Mohammed Mahdi Akef.

During the Holy Land Foundation trial, FBI evidence connected MAS founders to Hamas's U.S. support network. In 2014, the United Arab Emirates designated MAS a terrorist organization alongside al-Qaeda, ISIS, and the Brotherhood.

MAS has faced criticism for extremist associations:

MAS operates youth programs, Islamic schools, and imam councils, which some, like scholar Al-Husein Madhany, have flagged as potential security risks.

MLFA's Role and Historical Defenses

MLFA, leading Marouf's defense, has a track record of supporting individuals in terror-related cases, including the Holy Land Foundation and Sami Al-Arian, who pleaded guilty to aiding Palestinian Islamic Jihad. MLFA has platformed relatives of convicted figures, such as Mufid Abdulqader's daughter.

The organization's leadership overlaps with groups like American Muslims for Palestine, accused of promoting Hamas ideology. Chairman Hatem Bazian supports such efforts. Critics, including the Middle East Forum, have called MLFA a "terrorist defender," citing transparency issues.

Broader Implications for Dallas and U.S. Counterterrorism

Dallas has historically been a hub for Islamist activities, hosting MAS, the Islamic Association of North Texas, and the now-defunct Holy Land Foundation. Marouf's detention disrupts this network, particularly given his ties to Suleiman and the Elashis.

Analysts view the action as a signal of renewed federal resolve against such groups after periods of hesitation. One counterterrorism researcher described it as targeting a "well-documented arm of the Muslim Brotherhood" promoting sharia supremacism under civil rights guises.

Local media has portrayed Marouf as a "beloved community leader," but his connections suggest deeper national security concerns.