Civil Rights Community Outreach-- Islamic Center of New Mexico

On July 2, 2016, U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez joined ICNM President Abbas Akhil, Ahmad Assed, ICNM Legal Advisor and Member of the ICNM’s Shura Advisory Council, and Albuquerque’s Muslim Community to observe the last days of the holy month of Ramadan.  Since Sept. 11, 2001, the Department of Justice has placed a priority on investigating and prosecuting bias crimes and incidents of discrimination against Muslims, Sikhs, and other persons of Arab descent, as well as persons perceived to be members of these groups.  It also has engaged in extensive outreach efforts to educate these communities about their rights.  U.S. Attorney Martinez participated in Community for this observation as part of the Department of Justice’s continuing efforts to address backlash against Muslim, Arab and Sikh Americans following the horrific terrorist attacks in recent months and to combat religious discrimination throughout the country.  The U.S. Attorney was joined by Smart on Crime Assistant U.S. Attorney Shammara Henderson.