US Congressmen Mike Honda, Keith Ellison, and André Carson

“ Profiling and mistreatment of an individual based on presumed or actual faith or ethnicity has no place in the world, let alone in the United States of America. From presidential candidates to teachers and police officers, we all must take a strong unified stand against this seemingly growing trend of fear mongering and bigotry being wrongly perpetuated in our society. People shouldn’t fear mistreatment or persecution simply for being who they are. ”

“ As a world leader, America should be setting the bar for tolerance and equality – principles that speak to the foundation of this great nation,” said Congressman Honda.
In the letter, Honda, Carson, Ellison, and 26 of their colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives expressed their concern that “Ahmed was denied his civil rights... and refused the right to speak to his father.” The representatives went on to call attention to “reports surrounding the incident that strongly suggest that Ahmed Mohamed was systematically profiled based on his faith and ethnicity.” ”

“ Bigotry directed at American Muslims has become all too commonplace. It is critical for our nation's chief law enforcement agency to send a strong message that acts of discrimination against our children will not be tolerated and those who violate the law will be held accountable. ”