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Thank you Gucho and Calpernia for the ping regarding the Imam's arrest.

Note: The following text is an exact quote:
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http://www.ice.gov/graphics/news/newsreleases/articles/051125cleveland.htm

News Release

November 25, 2005

OHIO IMAM IN ICE CUSTODY
Charged with soliciting funds for terror activity

CLEVELAND - U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE) today announced the apprehension of an Ohio Imam for his involvement in fundraising for a terrorist organization and for terrorist activity.

Fawaz Mohammed Damrah, 44, was arrested early this morning without incident. The charges against Damrah allege that he is removable from the United States on national security grounds for having solicited funds and provided material support for a terrorist organization and for terrorist activity.

In 2004, Damrah was convicted and sentenced in U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, for unlawfully obtaining his United States citizenship through false statements in violation of Title 18, Section 1425(a) and (b), United States Code. According to court documents, Damrah concealed from the former INS his membership in and/or affiliation with: (1) Afghan Refugee Services, Inc., aka Al- Kifah Refugee Center; (2) Palestinian Islamic Jihad, aka the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine; and (3) Islamic Committee for Palestine (ICP). Damrah concealed from the former INS the fact that he had, prior to his application for citizenship, "incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the persecution" of Jews and others by advocating and/or supporting violent terrorists attacks against Jews and others. Sentencing for Damrah included two months in prison, four months home confinement and revocation of his U.S. citizenship. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction and the revocation of Damrah's U.S. citizenship, which allows ICE to begin the process of removing him the country.

"The open arms and welcoming nature of the United States is reserved for those who abide by and respect our laws and not those who attempt to defraud us and use our freedoms and open society to support acts of violence and terrorism," said Brian M. Moskowitz, special agent in charge of the ICE Office of Investigations for Ohio and Michigan. "With today's arrest, ICE begins the process of removing from the United States a criminal alien who has unequivocally supported terrorists and terrorist organizations."

Damrah remains in ICE custody. A bond hearing before an immigration judge is likely to occur next week.

ICE appreciates the tremendous support provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio, and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in Cleveland for their assistance in this case.

-- ICE --