For US Muslims, Immigration Crackdown and War Worries Cloud Ramadan

Fears of ICE raids, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and Middle East conflict impact Ramadan celebrations across the country.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Muslims across the United States are observing Ramadan under rising fears tied to immigration raids, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and war in the Middle East. In Paterson, New Jersey, home to one of the country's highest per capita Muslim populations, many community members are avoiding gathering for traditional Ramadan celebrations due to concerns about ICE raids. Similar concerns are being felt in Minnesota, where a recent large-scale immigration crackdown has left the Muslim community 'bruised, affected, and devastated economically and psychologically.' Meanwhile, Muslim groups have issued know-your-rights guidance to help navigate immigration enforcement interactions. The wave of anti-Muslim language in Republican campaigns has also added to the stress, with Muslim American leaders viewing it as election-year scaremongering. Concerns about loved ones in conflict-wracked parts of North Africa and the Middle East, including Gaza, have also clouded the holy month.

Why it matters

The fears and anxieties surrounding immigration enforcement, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and Middle East conflicts are disrupting the traditional communal spirit and celebrations of Ramadan for Muslim Americans. This highlights the broader challenges and stresses the community is facing, which could have lasting impacts on their ability to freely practice their faith and maintain their traditions.

The details

In Paterson, New Jersey, home to one of the country's largest Palestinian communities outside the Middle East, 18-year-old Haneen Alatiyat says fear of ICE raids is keeping many from gathering for Ramadan. The Palestinian American Community Center's executive director, Rania Mustafa, says the community is experiencing 'another layer of fear and grief' due to the war on Iran. In Minnesota, Imam Yusuf Abdulle says the Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center in Minneapolis has canceled communal iftar meals due to the economic impact of the recent immigration crackdown. Muslim groups have issued know-your-rights guidance to help imams and congregants navigate immigration enforcement interactions without causing panic.

  • Ramadan is currently underway in 2026.
  • The recent large-scale immigration crackdown in Minnesota occurred prior to Ramadan this year.

The players

Haneen Alatiyat

An 18-year-old resident of Paterson, New Jersey, who is half Palestinian and half Jordanian.

Rania Mustafa

The executive director of the Palestinian American Community Center in Clifton, New Jersey.

Yusuf Abdulle

The executive director of the Islamic Association of North America and a board member of the Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center in Minneapolis.

Munira Maalimisaq

A family nurse practitioner who works as the CEO of Inspire Change Clinic, which serves marginalized communities in Minnesota.

Dahlia M. Taha

An official with the Muslim Public Affairs Council who created a safety guide for mosques and imams to address congregants' fears about immigration enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“The meaning of the holiday is to be together with the people you love. Unfortunately, because of the ICE raids that are happening, people don't want to do that.”

— Haneen Alatiyat (Associated Press)

“This Ramadan has already been heavy for many families in our community with the immigration crackdowns. Now, as the war on Iran started, many people here are experiencing another layer of fear and grief.”

— Rania Mustafa, Executive Director, Palestinian American Community Center (Associated Press)

“Even with the challenges, there's a strengthened sense of community, resilience, and hope alongside the usual spiritual reflection, prayer, and charity that Ramadan brings.”

— Munira Maalimisaq, CEO, Inspire Change Clinic (Associated Press)

“There is a deep sense of community and peace that always comes with Ramadan. Nonetheless, people are carrying fear, anxiety, and uncertainty alongside our faith. Devotion and concern are existing side by side. I think everyone is just exhausted.”

— Dahlia M. Taha, Official, Muslim Public Affairs Council (Associated Press)

“All we can do is continue praying and fasting. This, like everything else, will pass. At the same time, we also need to pay attention to what is happening around us, and take the necessary precautions.”

— Ibrahim Dyfan, Executive Director, Masjid Al Shareef (Associated Press)

What’s next

The judge in the case of Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian woman and Paterson resident who has been held in an immigration jail for a year, will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow her release.

The takeaway

This Ramadan, Muslim Americans are facing a confluence of challenges that are disrupting the traditional communal spirit and celebrations of the holy month. The fears and anxieties surrounding immigration enforcement, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and Middle East conflicts highlight the broader stresses the community is grappling with, which could have lasting impacts on their ability to freely practice their faith and maintain their traditions.