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

Anti-Muslim rhetoric and crackdowns add to anxieties 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 Middle East - where many have loved ones - is buffeted by the Iran war.

Why it matters

The Ramadan observance is a time of spiritual reflection and community gathering for Muslims, but current events have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that is dampening these traditions. The immigration crackdowns and anti-Muslim rhetoric have had a chilling effect on Muslim communities, while the conflict in the Middle East has added another layer of grief and anxiety.

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 due to fears of 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 mosques have canceled communal iftar meals due to the economic impact of the immigration crackdowns. Muslim groups have issued know-your-rights guidance to help congregants and imams navigate the current climate.

  • Midway through Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims, in 2026.
  • Recent large-scale immigration crackdowns have occurred in Minnesota.

The players

Haneen Alatiyat

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

Rania Mustafa

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

Imam Yusuf Abdulle

The executive director of the Islamic Association of North America, an umbrella group for Islamic centers including some in Minnesota.

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

“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

“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

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, Muslim communities across the U.S. are grappling with a confluence of challenges - from immigration crackdowns and anti-Muslim rhetoric to the ripple effects of conflicts in the Middle East. While they strive to maintain the spiritual and communal traditions of the holy month, a sense of fear, grief, and exhaustion hangs over their celebrations, underscoring the need for greater understanding and support during this difficult time.