Ramadan Celebrations Clouded by Immigration Fears, War Worries for US Muslims

Communities grapple with anti-Muslim rhetoric, crackdowns, and Middle East conflicts during holy month

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Midway through Ramadan, Muslims across the United States are struggling to maintain the holy month's traditional mix of prayers and festive spirit under a cloud of worrisome events. The federal government's immigration crackdown has affected many of their communities, virulent anti-Muslim rhetoric is surging, and the Iran war has many fearing for loved ones in the Middle East.

Why it matters

Ramadan is a sacred time for Muslims, marked by spiritual reflection, community gatherings, and celebration. However, the current climate of fear and uncertainty around immigration enforcement, anti-Muslim sentiment, and regional conflicts is dampening the joyful spirit of the holiday for many American Muslim communities.

The details

In Paterson, New Jersey, home to one of the country's highest per capita Muslim populations, many community members are avoiding gathering for Ramadan traditions due to concerns about ICE raids. The Palestinian community in Paterson has also been grieving loved ones and trying to help survivors of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. In Minnesota, some Islamic centers have had to cancel communal iftar meals due to the economic impact of the recent immigration crackdown. Muslim groups have issued guidance to help mosques and imams address congregants' fears without causing panic.

  • Midway through Ramadan 2026
  • Recent large-scale immigration crackdown in Minnesota

The players

Haneen Alatiyat

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

Rania Mustafa

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

Imam Yusuf Abdulle

Executive director of the Islamic Association of North America and on the board of the Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center in Minneapolis.

Munira Maalimisaq

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

Dahlia M. Taha

An official with the Muslim Public Affairs Council.

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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

“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

“Eating together and sharing stories while eating, it was beautiful. I hope that comes back.”

— Imam Yusuf Abdulle, Executive director, Islamic Association of North America

“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

“There is a deep sense of community and peace that always comes with Ramadan. Devotion and concern are existing side by side. I think everyone is just exhausted.”

— Dahlia M. Taha, Official, Muslim Public Affairs Council

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 release her.

The takeaway

This Ramadan, American Muslim communities are grappling with a perfect storm of challenges - from immigration crackdowns and anti-Muslim rhetoric to the impacts of regional conflicts abroad. While they strive to maintain the spiritual and communal traditions of the holy month, the climate of fear and uncertainty has dampened the joyful spirit for many.