The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is reporting that it joined an international coalition of Muslim advocacy organizations to issue a joint statement warning about the normalization of anti-Muslim hatred globally. The statement praised three men who died defending children and others during an attack on the Islamic Centre of San Diego. It said details emerging about the attack illustrate the transnational nature of the attackers’ motivations, drawing inspiration from previous mosque and anti-Muslim attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand; Quebec City, Canada; and London, Canada. CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor said anti-Muslim extremists crossed the threshold from hate speech to hate violence this week, noting a lack of official condemnation of Islamophobia.
CAIR is also reporting that its Maryland office will kick off its 2026 Get Out The Vote campaign with a non-partisan voter registration drive on Saturday, May 23, at the ICNA Convention in Baltimore.
National pressure is growing to free Palestinian-American community leader Salah Sarsour from ICE detention, CAIR said. It reported that members of Congress and Wisconsin lawmakers have expressed alarm over his continued detention, with over a dozen Wisconsin lawmakers, Senator Tammy Baldwin, and several representatives calling for his release.
CAIR called on Congress and the Trump administration to act after allegations that Gaza Flotilla activists were subjected to sexual violence by Israel. It said these deeply disturbing allegations of sexual violence, assault, and rape against humanitarian activists kidnapped by Israel in international waters demand an immediate, transparent, and independent international investigation. CAIR-NJ announced the release of New Jersey resident Amrou Ibrahim from Israeli custody, with his mother reporting he endured humiliating treatment during his detention.
CAIR-SFBA published an op-ed in the San Francisco Chronicle stating that anti-Muslim hatred was already out of control before the San Diego mosque shooting. It said that when people with power portray Muslims, mosques, schools, and civic organizations as threats, hate becomes more dangerous. CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo said the San Diego mosque shooting must not be used against the Los Gatos Muslim congregation in a local land use dispute.
CAIR-Florida condemned racist vandalism targeting the historic Ocala AME Church and welcomed a federal and state hate crime probe. Communications Director Wilfredo Amr Ruiz said this desecration, especially while the congregation mourns a fire, is a stark reminder of malice fueled by white supremacy and anti-Black racism. CAIR and CAIR-FL also joined a global coalition demanding justice for Sayfollah Musallet and other Americans killed by Israeli settlers.
Various media outlets, including the Detroit Free Press, LAW360, FOX 5 San Diego, Middle East Eye, The Dallas Morning News, FOX 26 Houston, HuffPost, SLATE, San Diego Union-Tribune, KUSI, The Guardian, Religion News Service, BBC, KGTV, Beverly Press, and NJ.com, have covered CAIR's statements and activities. These reports include a U-M student lawsuit over surveillance tied to Gaza protests, congressional recognition of San Diego victims, calls for an end to anti-Muslim rhetoric, increased patrols at mosques, and the San Diego Muslim community's grief and resilience.