Family of 5 removed from plane on arrival - Grandfather deported
Jul 3, 2007, 10:58 am
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Family of 5 removed from plane on arrival - Grandfather deported
No information other than this press release from the Civil Rights group CAIR...
http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp?...819&theType=NR
BRITISH MUSLIM DENIED ENTRY TO U.S. - TOP
CAIR calls for explanation of detention, removal of U.K. Citizen
(ANAHEIM, CA, 7/1/07) - The Greater Los Angeles area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today asked for an explanation as to why a British Muslim citizen was barred from entering the United States and sent back to the UK less than 24 hours after his arrival.
According to his family, 57-year-old Rashid Ahmed Esakjee was detained after arriving at Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday evening. Family members reported to CAIR-LA that initially all five members of the family were escorted off the plane but later released, except for Esakjee.
The family was planning to visit their daughter Rashida Esakjee and her family on the occasion of the birth of a new baby boy. Esakjee has previously traveled several times to the U.S. without any problems, family members said. He has lived in the U.K. for 40 years and owns a business there.
"My father is a hardworking man and a respectable member of the community," said Rashida Esakjee. "He just came to see his grandchildren, but unfortunately, was deprived of that opportunity. We want to know why my father, a law-abiding citizen, was treated this way."
Esakjee was sent back to the U.K. Friday afternoon and arrived there safely. The British Embassy confirmed with CAIR-LA that no action on its part had led to Esakjee's detention or denial of entry to the United States.
CAIR-LA is investigating the incident.
"We call on the government agencies involved to explain why Mr. Esakjee was barred from entering the United States without any explanation," said CAIR-LA Civil Rights Coordinator Affad Shaikh. "These types of incidents may be perceived as discriminatory and have the potential to further damage our nation's image in Europe and the Muslim world."
Shaikh also said British citizens are regularly granted visa waivers for entry into the United States. Esakjee's family has additionally contacted Congresswoman Lois Capps' office to assist with the investigation of this incident.
http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp?...819&theType=NR
BRITISH MUSLIM DENIED ENTRY TO U.S. - TOP
CAIR calls for explanation of detention, removal of U.K. Citizen
(ANAHEIM, CA, 7/1/07) - The Greater Los Angeles area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today asked for an explanation as to why a British Muslim citizen was barred from entering the United States and sent back to the UK less than 24 hours after his arrival.
According to his family, 57-year-old Rashid Ahmed Esakjee was detained after arriving at Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday evening. Family members reported to CAIR-LA that initially all five members of the family were escorted off the plane but later released, except for Esakjee.
The family was planning to visit their daughter Rashida Esakjee and her family on the occasion of the birth of a new baby boy. Esakjee has previously traveled several times to the U.S. without any problems, family members said. He has lived in the U.K. for 40 years and owns a business there.
"My father is a hardworking man and a respectable member of the community," said Rashida Esakjee. "He just came to see his grandchildren, but unfortunately, was deprived of that opportunity. We want to know why my father, a law-abiding citizen, was treated this way."
Esakjee was sent back to the U.K. Friday afternoon and arrived there safely. The British Embassy confirmed with CAIR-LA that no action on its part had led to Esakjee's detention or denial of entry to the United States.
CAIR-LA is investigating the incident.
"We call on the government agencies involved to explain why Mr. Esakjee was barred from entering the United States without any explanation," said CAIR-LA Civil Rights Coordinator Affad Shaikh. "These types of incidents may be perceived as discriminatory and have the potential to further damage our nation's image in Europe and the Muslim world."
Shaikh also said British citizens are regularly granted visa waivers for entry into the United States. Esakjee's family has additionally contacted Congresswoman Lois Capps' office to assist with the investigation of this incident.
Jul 3, 2007, 11:07 am
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That alone makes the story suspect at best. However, assuming it's true, without further details as to the reason of being denied entry (not a deportation, different thing), it is impossible to say whether or not it was a correct decision.
Jul 3, 2007, 1:01 pm
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Considering the atmosphere of secrecy the administration supports, it's no surprise these questions are being asked.
Jul 3, 2007, 2:14 pm
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Because CAIR is generally less than forthcoming with facts that don't support its version of the truth. That's why I asked for further detail before passing judgment on whether or not the denial of entry was a correct decision.
Jul 3, 2007, 3:06 pm
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The guy has lived in the UK for 40 years and is a British citizen. He's previously traveled here several times without problem. All of a sudden he's refused entry.
I'm certainly glad that the fine folks at the Home Office aren't as cowardly as the idiots at CBP; I'd be madder than hell if the Brits suddenly denied me admission without explanation. It is very sad that I'm more warmly greeted into every country I've ever tried to enter than Mr Esakjee is in my own country.
to the cowards who deny tourists entry without explanation. Probably thought he saved the US from some evil terrorist.
I'm certainly glad that the fine folks at the Home Office aren't as cowardly as the idiots at CBP; I'd be madder than hell if the Brits suddenly denied me admission without explanation. It is very sad that I'm more warmly greeted into every country I've ever tried to enter than Mr Esakjee is in my own country.
to the cowards who deny tourists entry without explanation. Probably thought he saved the US from some evil terrorist.
Jul 3, 2007, 3:46 pm
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Completely agree. The ONLY source of "information" about this comes from CAIR? Suspicious in my book, most certainly.
Jul 3, 2007, 4:08 pm
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CAIR has been the only source of information for many unjust circumstances that have occurred over the past few years.
It's usually due to their efforts that stories such as this one earlier in the year (http://www.bakersfield.com/102/story/92394.html) get reported by the press in the first place.
It's usually due to their efforts that stories such as this one earlier in the year (http://www.bakersfield.com/102/story/92394.html) get reported by the press in the first place.
Jul 3, 2007, 10:58 pm
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By going to CAIR they showed where they stand.
Jul 4, 2007, 12:06 am
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http://www.anti-cair-net.org/
Jul 4, 2007, 4:53 am
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Grandfather refused entry
The guy has lived in the UK for 40 years and is a British citizen. He's previously traveled here several times without problem. All of a sudden he's refused entry.
I'm certainly glad that the fine folks at the Home Office aren't as cowardly as the idiots at CBP; I'd be madder than hell if the Brits suddenly denied me admission without explanation. It is very sad that I'm more warmly greeted into every country I've ever tried to enter than Mr Esakjee is in my own country. to the cowards who deny tourists entry without explanation. Probably thought he saved the US from some evil terrorist.
I'm certainly glad that the fine folks at the Home Office aren't as cowardly as the idiots at CBP; I'd be madder than hell if the Brits suddenly denied me admission without explanation. It is very sad that I'm more warmly greeted into every country I've ever tried to enter than Mr Esakjee is in my own country.
to the cowards who deny tourists entry without explanation. Probably thought he saved the US from some evil terrorist.
Jul 4, 2007, 10:25 am
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Generally when I post on TS&S, I am saying not to condemn a government agency without proof (beyond what a passenger has claimed).
On this thread, I have to say not to condemn the passenger without proof -- and his family going to CAIR does not constitute proof of him presenting any danger.
The government may have acted correctly. It may have acted incorrectly. We simply don't have the knowledge to make such a decision.
On this thread, I have to say not to condemn the passenger without proof -- and his family going to CAIR does not constitute proof of him presenting any danger.
The government may have acted correctly. It may have acted incorrectly. We simply don't have the knowledge to make such a decision.
Jul 4, 2007, 10:54 am
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Generally when I post on TS&S, I am saying not to condemn a government agency without proof (beyond what a passenger has claimed).
On this thread, I have to say not to condemn the passenger without proof -- and his family going to CAIR does not constitute proof of him presenting any danger.
The government may have acted correctly. It may have acted incorrectly. We simply don't have the knowledge to make such a decision.
On this thread, I have to say not to condemn the passenger without proof -- and his family going to CAIR does not constitute proof of him presenting any danger.
The government may have acted correctly. It may have acted incorrectly. We simply don't have the knowledge to make such a decision.
The bashing of a family that could well have had a very unfair thing done to them simply because their story is told by an organization that has a bias is, itself, very unfair. Not everyone championed by Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson, by Nancy Pelosi or Dick Cheney should be judged by the their champion's predilitctions.
Heck, I bet even Johnny Cochran has an innocent client once.
Seriously, I am curious if such an important family time was disrupted without sound reason.
Jul 4, 2007, 11:00 am
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We let the Saudis in, including the 15 or so that did the September 11 attacks. They paid for hassle free admission.
Jul 4, 2007, 11:19 am
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The deportee ought to be entitled to a an explanation, and due process. The CAIR folks have no such standing and can pound sand.
However, seems to me we ought to be scrutinizing foreign Muslims, particularly those who are professionals . . . say like medical doctors. . . trying to get into the country. Without starting the whole McVeigh/Nichols brouhaha, terrorists who are interested in destroying western ideals and institutions seem to have similar characteristics, origins and religious affiliations.
And yes, Saudi Arabian terrorists attacked America, so President Bush attacked Iraq . . . What are these guys in the White House smoking?
However, seems to me we ought to be scrutinizing foreign Muslims, particularly those who are professionals . . . say like medical doctors. . . trying to get into the country. Without starting the whole McVeigh/Nichols brouhaha, terrorists who are interested in destroying western ideals and institutions seem to have similar characteristics, origins and religious affiliations.
And yes, Saudi Arabian terrorists attacked America, so President Bush attacked Iraq . . . What are these guys in the White House smoking?